
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

Jul 26, 2023 • 19min
Employee Onboarding Master Class
On today’s episode of Business Brain, we explore the topic of welcoming and onboarding new employees. We came across a tweet from Harris Fanaroff that provides 16 quick wins for creating a positive onboarding experience. These tips range from welcoming new hires on a Thursday or Friday to make their transition easier, throwing a welcome party, and ensuring someone else greets them to make them feel valued. Although we haven’t implemented these practices in the past, we acknowledge the importance of improving in this area. Join us as we discuss each tip in detail and explore ways to make new employees feel appreciated and valued right from day one.
We dive into the challenge of creating a welcoming onboarding experience for remote employees. Since we can’t physically decorate their workspace like we would in an office, we need to think outside the box. One idea is to send them a welcome packet that includes a personalized card signed by the company’s owners. It could also feature fun items such as streamers, balloons, a hat, or even a crown. Another suggestion is to create a video that greets them and walks them through the onboarding process. To add a personal touch, we could ask all employees to record a quick welcome message that can be incorporated into the video.
To make the onboarding process more interactive, we consider hosting a virtual lunch where everyone orders their own food using an Uber Eats gift card. During this lunch, we can have a Zoom call to chat and introduce the new employee to the team. The key is to be creative and find ways to make them feel valued and welcome, even if they are working from a corner of their bedroom. Another idea is to ship a box filled with surprises to their doorstep, such as balloons that float out when they open it. By employing the right ideas and tapping into our creativity, we can make the remote onboarding experience just as special as in-person onboarding.
During our discussion, we highlight the importance of having gifts and prepared resources for new employees, such as business cards or an already set-up online workspace. Providing lunch for everyone on the new employee’s first day can also make a positive impact. It’s crucial to allocate time before their arrival to ensure everything is ready for them, setting them up for success from the very beginning. Rather than testing them, we aim to provide them with easy wins and demonstrate respect. Assigning a peer as a guide for the first 90 days is an excellent suggestion, as this individual can offer support and guidance on matters the new employee may prefer not to discuss with their manager. Furthermore, celebrating anniversaries and other milestones is a timeless practice that demonstrates appreciation for our employees. Recognizing those who contribute to the company’s progress is vital.
In this episode, we discuss some fantastic strategies that can make businesses stand out. While it may not be possible to implement all of them, they serve as a valuable guide. By treating employees well and cultivating a positive work culture, businesses can become more attractive places to work. Additionally, it’s crucial to make up for any mistakes during the first month by extending some favors to show continued support. We appreciate you tuning in, and please don’t hesitate to contact us at feedback@businessbrain.show with any thoughts or questions. We value your feedback and want to hear from you about anything on your mind. And remember to visit our sponsors, notion.com/businessbrain and pearldiver.io. Keep living that charmed life, and we’ll be back with more insightful episodes next time.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #469 for Wednesday, July 26th, 2023
00:01:49 16 Easy Onboarding Secrets to Employ When Hiring
Thursdays and Fridays are the best days
Ship them a box!
Figure out how to throw a remote lunch/afternoon-break party.
00:09:10 SPONSOR: Notion Projects combines project management with your docs, knowledge base, and AI. You can try it for free today at Notion.com/businessbrain.
00:10:35 SPONSOR: Pearl Diver. Do you wonder who is visiting your website? Pearl Diver is a cutting-edge platform that provides in-depth visitor identification, enabling you to uncover valuable insights about your website visitors.
00:11:45 More onboarding secrets
00:18:09 BB469 Outtro
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 Employee Onboarding Master Class – Business Brain 469 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jul 21, 2023 • 18min
Take Out The Trash!
In this episode of Business Brain, we delve into the importance of being in service to your employees as a business owner. We believe that it’s not just about money, but about recognizing and appreciating the perks and benefits that employees value. We encourage our listeners to create a list of these perks and actively remind themselves and others about them, as gratitude and acknowledgment can have a significant impact on mindset. And yes, we suggest you take out the trash. Listen in for this and more on Business Brain!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #468 for Friday, July 21st, 2023
00:00:57 Identify the perks about your business that you’ve forgotten…
…and then remind your team about them! (in sincere and appropriate ways)
00:06:46 SPONSOR: Pearl Diver. Do you wonder who is visiting your website? Pearl Diver is a cutting-edge platform that provides in-depth visitor identification, enabling you to uncover valuable insights about your website visitors.
00:08:04 PODCAST: TWIT’s Apple-focused shows: Mac Break Weekly, iOS Today, and Hands-On Mac, all at TWIT.tv/Apple
00:09:12 Take Out The Trash (and other ways to show your team you’re there for THEM)
Cooking Lunch
Clean up
00:13:06 Do the boring work until you are able to hire someone to do it
How Can I Help?
Ego is a powerful tool…to be used sparingly
00:17:01 BB468 Outtro
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 Take Out the Trash! Business Brain 468 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jul 19, 2023 • 18min
The Beginners Mind + Multi-Level Employees
In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss handling inappropriate social media posts by employees, the importance of mindful online content sharing, and the value of embracing a beginner’s mind. Cultivating a beginner’s mind can enhance our interactions and collaborations. Share your experiences and tools for maintaining a beginner’s mind at feedback@businessbrain.show.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #467 for Wednesday, July 19th, 2023
00:01:45 Multi-Level Employees
Appropriate vs. Professional
00:08:38 SPONSOR: Pearl Diver. Do you wonder who is visiting your website? Pearl Diver is a cutting-edge platform that provides in-depth visitor identification, enabling you to uncover valuable insights about your website visitors.
00:09:57 PODCAST: TWIT’s Apple-focused shows: Mac Break Weekly, iOS Today, and Hands-On Mac, all at TWIT.tv/Apple
00:11:04 Beginner’s Mind
Living in the moment with as few fixed beliefs as possible
00:16:58 BB467 Outtro
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 The Beginners Mind + Multi-Level Employees – Business Brain 467 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jul 14, 2023 • 25min
Time to learn Your ABDs – Business Brain 466
How well do you know your ABDs? On this episode of Business Brain, your hosts, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, dive into a discussion about the power of Always Be Different. First, it’s a case study of how AriZona Iced Tea keeps its 99-cent price point during inflation and how it differentiated itself to get into the beverage industry. Then it’s on to a breakdown of why David Morris believes that Being Different is Better than Being Better in the sales game. Join us while we fine-tune our Business Brains!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #466 for Friday, July 14th, 2023
00:01:47 Always Be Different (The AriZona Iced Tea Story)
The Whistle, The Workhorse, and The Whale
00:07:19 SPONSOR: Pearl Diver. Do you wonder who is visiting your website? Pearl Diver is a cutting-edge platform that provides in-depth visitor identification, enabling you to uncover valuable insights about your website visitors.
00:08:39 SPONSOR: Zinch. A direct lender that makes financing fast, simple, and built around your needs. Zinch is waiving their $250 application fee for BB listeners when you sign up at FinancingThatWorks.com
00:10:07 Being Different is Better than Being Better
Separate Work from Worth
Treat Prospects Like People
Seek First To Understand
Be Honest, Even If It Costs You
Take “No” For An Answer
Speak About Competitors With Honor
Do What You Say You Will Do (WHEN YOU SAY YOU WILL DO IT!)
Underpromise and Over Deliver (Scottie!)
Always Be Following Up (Scott Jordan)
00:24:20 BB466 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Dave on Mastodon: @DaveHamilton@PodcastIndex.Social
Dave on Bluesky: DaveHamilton.com
If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023
The post Time to learn Your ABDs – Business Brain 466 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jul 12, 2023 • 21min
When to Change Your Business Model
What happened to downtime? When should you leave your phone behind, and what is all the hoopla around No Phone Friday? Listen to this episode to hear our thoughts on unplugging and how it can change your life. Then, we jump into a listener question about when to consider changing your business model. Join us as we fine-tune our Business Brains!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #465 for Wednesday, July 12th, 2023
00:00:30 Leave Room for Urinal Inspiration
No Phone Friday
00:07:29 SPONSOR: Pearl Diver. Do you wonder who is visiting your website? Pearl Diver is a cutting-edge platform that provides in-depth visitor identification, enabling you to uncover valuable insights about your website visitors.
00:08:48 SPONSOR: Zinch. A direct lender that makes financing fast, simple, and built around your needs. Zinch is waiving their $250 application fee for BB listeners when you sign up at FinancingThatWorks.com
00:10:15 PODCAST: 7 Good Minutes brings nuggets of wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice. It’s like having a morning coffee with a friend who knows just what to say to kickstart your day.
00:11:23 Robert-When Do I Make a Change to my Business?
00:17:02 Figure out where you’re going
00:20:27 BB465 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Dave on Mastodon: @DaveHamilton@PodcastIndex.Social
Dave on Bluesky: DaveHamilton.com
If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023
The post When to Change Your Business Model – Business Brain 465 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jul 7, 2023 • 20min
Labor Perception Bias and an Eeyore Outlook
Join us this week for episode 464 of Business Brain! We discuss the importance of training yourself, your customers, and your employees to battle Labor Perception Bias when getting paid for your work. Then we jump into why a Positive Outlook is a Force Multiplier for Success. Listen to your Business Brain with hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #464 for Friday, July 7th, 2023
00:01:11 Managing Your Own Labor Perception Bias
00:07:52 SPONSOR: Zinch. A direct lender that makes financing fast, simple, and built around your needs. Zinch is waiving their $250 application fee for BB listeners when you sign up at FinancingThatWorks.com
00:09:38 SPONSOR: Notion Projects combines project management with your docs, knowledge base, and AI. You can try it for free today at Notion.com/businessbrain.
00:11:03 Don’t be Eeyore with your Customers!
A Positive Outlook is a Force-Multiplier for Success
Two Tokens of Customer Service
00:19:10 BB 464 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Dave on Mastodon: @DaveHamilton@PodcastIndex.Social
Dave on Bluesky: DaveHamilton.com
If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023
The post Labor Perception Bias and an Eeyore Outlook – Business Brain 464 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jul 5, 2023 • 25min
Small Business CRM + Parkinson's Law
In this episode of Business Brain, we discuss the importance of dedicated “play time” for exploration and research. We address a listener’s question about lightweight CRM tools and recommend options like FileMaker, monday.com, and Salesforce. We introduce Notion as a sponsor and highlight their new feature, Notion Projects. We express concerns about the rate limit on Twitter and discuss the lack of effective communication from the platform. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of proactive communication and encourage feedback from listeners.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #463 for Wednesday, July 5th, 2023
00:01:00 No Output required
00:04:39 Patrick-What is a good lightweight CRM tool?
Claris FileMaker
Monday.com
Salesforce
00:10:51 SPONSOR: Zinch. A direct lender that makes financing fast, simple, and built around your needs. Zinch is waiving their $250 application fee for BB listeners when you sign up at FinancingThatWorks.com
00:12:37 SPONSOR: Notion Projects combines project management with your docs, knowledge base, and AI. You can try it for free today at Notion.com/businessbrain.
00:14:01 What’s Up With Twitter’s Rate Limit?
Parkinson’s Law
00:24:23 BB 463 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
Dave on Mastodon: @DaveHamilton@PodcastIndex.Social
Dave on Bluesky: DaveHamilton.com
If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023
The post Small Business CRM + Parkinson’s Law – Business Brain 463 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jun 30, 2023 • 19min
AI Lawyers + What Didn't You Tell Us?
Should you be using ChatGPT to help with business legal issues? Join us for episode 462 of Business Brain to discuss AI legal advice’s pros and cons and learn about a law firm offering to review AI suggestions. Then it’s on to a very important question after you close a deal: What didn’t you tell us?
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #462 for Friday, June 30th, 2023
00:01:35 Legal Firm Launches Service for Small Business Owners Tempted by AI
Law 4 Small Business
00:07:03 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.
00:08:36 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to FACTORMEALS.com/brain50 and use code brain50 to get 50% off your first box.
00:10:04 David-444-Negotiating As a Nice Guy…Works! 460
00:12:23 What didn’t you tell us?
00:18:46 BB 462 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023
The post AI Lawyers + What Didn’t You Tell Us? Business Brain 462 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jun 28, 2023 • 18min
Getting Paid + Our Customer Service Maxim
Everyone has a story about a contractor not billing them for work completed. Why does this happen, and what steps can you take to avoid this issue? Listen in to Business Brain for a discussion on billing and getting paid, followed by a revisit to our famous Customer Service Maxim and why so many companies fail at it.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #461 for Wednesday, June 28th, 2023
00:01:19 Contractors Remember to Bill Clients (Dave’s electrician still hasn’t!)
Imposter Syndrome
00:05:38 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.
00:07:11 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Head to FACTORMEALS.com/brain50 and use code brain50 to get 50% off your first box.
00:08:39 PODCAST: Superwomen. Rebecca Minkoff dives into the secrets behind some of the most successful women in the world, from CEOs and founders to artists and designers.
00:09:17 Contractors Remember our Customer Service Maxim (Dave’s plumber: “You have two other showers in your house”)
00:17:06 BB 461 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023
The post Getting Paid + Our Customer Service Maxim – Business Brain 461 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jun 23, 2023 • 15min
Time Flexing and Balanced Comparison
Being in control of your time is the ultimate flex! Join us for episode 460 of Business Brain as we tune our minds into the concept of flexible time being a huge superpower for us all to strive for. Then we jump into the concept of Balanced Comparison, where looking backward is just as important as looking forward. Listen in and tune your Business Brain with your hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #460 for Friday, June 23rd, 2023
00:01:11 Flexing About Time Flexing
00:04:45 SPONSOR: Notion Projects combines project management with your docs, knowledge base, and AI. You can try it for free today at Notion.com/businessbrain.
00:06:19 SPONSOR: Checkr. Get fast, comprehensive background checks so you can hire with confidence. Visit Checkr.com/BusinessBrain to save $40 off your first background check.
00:07:49 The Value of Balanced Comparison
Manage Your To Did List
00:12:58 BB 460 Outtro
feedback@businessbrain.show
If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023
TRAILER: Business Brain 99 – Some of our favorite interviews
The post Time Flexing and Balanced Comparison – Business Brain 460 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.