
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 12, 2023 • 18min
Exploring the Most Important Insurance for Entrepreneurs
Business Brain listener Jeff asks what insurance he might need if he offers casual advice about his expertise. Join your hosts, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, as they explore what types of insurance you may need for your Business and why having an insurance resource on your board of advisors is critical.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #439 for Wednesday, April 12th, 2023
00:01:25 Jeff-Do I need insurance for my mistakes?
00:04:05 SPONSOR: Headspace helps improve mental health – through guided meditations, mindfulness practices, breathing and calming exercises, and so much more. try Headspace FREE for 30 days by going to Headspace.com/BRAIN30.
00:05:53 Limiting Your Liability
Get an LLC!
Get insurance to protect your employes…and also to protect your business from your employees
Spicy Adjectives!
Business Liability Insurance
DoNotPay.com
Get a good insurance agent!
00:17:23 BB 439 Outtro
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TRAILER: Business Brain 118 – The Two Tokens of Customer Service
This AI-created article may be helpful in researching additional information related to this episode of Business Brain:
Protect yourself with insurance.
In addition to taking care of your mental health, it is also important to protect yourself with insurance. Insurance can help protect you from financial loss in the event of an accident or lawsuit. It can also help you to cover the cost of medical bills, legal fees, and other expenses.
When starting a business, it is important to set up an LLC (limited liability company) or corporation in order to protect yourself from any potential liabilities. An LLC or corporation will limit your liability so long as you are not negligent or intentionally misleading people. This is why many businesses use multiple LLCs when touring or hosting events. By setting up a separate LLC for each event, the most that can be lost in the event of a lawsuit is the gross receipts from that night’s event.
In addition to setting up an LLC, it is also important to purchase insurance to protect yourself, your business, and your employees. Insurance can help to protect you from any potential liabilities, as well as cover the cost of medical bills, legal fees, and other expenses. It is important to have a good insurance person on your board of advisors to help answer any questions you may have.
Finally, some clients may require you to hold insurance that indemnifies them against any mistakes you make while working on their behalf. This is why it is important to understand your client’s requirements and make sure you have the right insurance coverage.
In conclusion, it is important to take care of your mental health, as well as protect yourself with insurance. Setting up an LLC and purchasing the right insurance can help protect you from financial loss in the event of an accident or lawsuit. It is also important to understand your client’s requirements and make sure you have the right insurance coverage.
Get good insurance advice.
Having a good insurance agent is an important part of protecting yourself financially. A good insurance agent can help you find the right coverage for your business and personal life. They can also help you save money on your personal insurance costs. Insurance agents get paid on commission regardless of which company you buy from, so they may be able to get you the best deal.
It is important to talk to your insurance agent about what-ifs, not just what happened. This will help you understand what kind of coverage you need and what kind of policy you should have in place. Additionally, it is important to make sure you have indemnification for legal fees in case you are sued.
Overall, it is important to get good insurance advice. Having the right coverage in place can help protect you from financial loss in the event of an accident or lawsuit. It is also important to talk to your insurance agent about what ifs, not just what happened, and make sure you have indemnification for legal fees. Taking the time to get a good insurance adviser can help you lead a charmed life.
The post Exploring the Most Important Insurance for Entrepreneurs – Business Brain 439 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Apr 7, 2023 • 20min
Making AI Your Competitive Advantage
The Business Brain podcast, episode 438 for Casual Friday April 7th, 2023, discusses the benefits of using AI in both personal and business settings. The hosts discuss the use of chat GPT and encourage listeners to explore AI technology to enhance efficiency. Sponsored by Factor and Thinkific Plus, the hosts emphasize the importance of learning how to use AI in today’s world.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #438 for Friday, April 7th, 2023
00:01:23 You Must Develop your “AI Fu”
ChatGPT
00:05:41 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.
00:07:10 SPONSOR: Thinkific Plus is a powerful training platform that lets you create materials to educate your customers so they stay being customers. Get one month of Thinkific Plus FREE at Thinkific.com/BusinessBrain today.
00:08:47 Chat Prompt Ideas
Swell.ai
Bing AI
HelpScout
00:19:07 BB 438 Outtro
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The post Making AI Your Competitive Advantage – Business Brain 438 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Apr 5, 2023 • 18min
Monetizing Your Business Brain
In this episode of Business Brain, hosts Dave and Shannon discuss the common occurrence of people asking for advice on their business ideas. They discuss how success and failure are both parts of running one’s own business and how to handle these requests for advice. Along with their discussion, they also share sponsored content from Thinkific Plus and Factor Meals.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #437 for Wednesday, April 5th, 2023
00:01:13 Will you make my business successful?
00:05:26 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.
00:06:53 SPONSOR: Thinkific Plus is a powerful training platform that lets you create materials to educate your customers so they stay being customers. Get one month of Thinkific Plus FREE at Thinkific.com/BusinessBrain today.
00:08:30 How can we be successful together?
[YourName] The Advisor, the business.
Equity
Hourly Rate
Monthly Retainer
00:17:25 BB 437 Outtro
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This AI-generated article may provide additional and helpful information about the topics in this episode.
Charge for expertise/advice.
When it comes to offering advice or expertise, it is important to make sure that you are compensated for your time. Whether it’s through equity, an hourly rate, or a monthly retainer, it’s important to make sure that you are getting compensated for your services. This can help to ensure that you are not taken advantage of and that you are getting a fair rate for your services.
It’s also important to be clear about what you can offer and what you expect from the person you are offering advice to. This can help to ensure that there is mutual respect and understanding between both parties. This can help to ensure that there are no misunderstandings or miscommunications that could lead to a lawsuit or other legal issues.
Finally, it’s important to remember that your time is valuable and that you should be compensated for your services. Whether it’s through equity, an hourly rate, or a monthly retainer, it’s important to make sure that you are getting compensated for your services. This can help to ensure that you are not taken advantage of and that you are getting a fair rate for your services.
Get compensated with equity.
Equity is an interesting option for compensation, as it can be far more valuable than a short-term payment. Equity can be a great way to ensure that you are getting a share of the profits from the business you are helping to advise. This can be especially beneficial if you are helping to launch a business, as you can benefit from the success of the business. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with equity, as it is not guaranteed.
When it comes to equity, it is important to make sure that you are getting a fair deal. It is also important to be aware of the different options available to you. For example, some people may opt for a percentage of each sale, while others may opt for equity. It is important to make sure that you are getting a fair deal and that the terms are clear.
It is also important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to compensation. Different businesses may have different needs and different ways of compensating advisors. It is important to make sure that you are getting a fair deal and that you are comfortable with the terms of the agreement.
At the end of the day, it is important to make sure that you are getting compensated for your services. Equity can be a great way to make sure that you are getting a share of the profits from the business you are helping to advise. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with equity and to make sure that you are getting a fair deal.
The post Monetizing Your Business Brain – Business Brain 437 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 31, 2023 • 16min
Let's Destroy Command and Control Leadership
Can we talk about Command and Control leadership styles? Yes, yes we can. Today we try to destroy the C&C style and convince you that you can make your company more valuable in countless ways by not being the gateway to getting things done with a strict Command and Control management style.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #436 for Friday, March 31st, 2023
00:01:19 Command and Control Leadership
Command and Control Leadership is Dead
00:04:11 SPONSOR: Notion. With whatever you’re working on, Notion AI lets you skip to the good part. Save time and write faster by letting Notion AI handle the brainstorm and first draft. For a limited time, try Notion AI for free when by visiting Notion.com/businessbrain.
00:06:14 How are you using AI?
00:08:45 Reducing C&C in your Business
Bob Grewal on Business Brain
00:15:02 BB 436 Outtro
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Business Brain 118 – Two Tokens of Customer Service
This AI-generated article may help provide additional information and resources for the Command and Control leadership style discussed on today’s episode of Business Brain:
The Negative Aspects of Command and Control Leadership in Small Businesses
Command and control leadership is a style that emphasizes centralized decision-making, hierarchical structures, and strict control over employees. While this style of leadership may have been effective in the past, it is becoming less and less suitable for today’s small businesses. In fact, the negative aspects of command and control leadership can outweigh the benefits, hindering the growth and success of small businesses.
Here are some of the negative aspects of a strict command and control leadership style in small businesses:
Lack of Creativity and Innovation
Command and control leadership discourages creativity and innovation. Employees are not encouraged to think outside the box or offer new ideas. This can lead to a stagnant company culture where employees do not feel valued or engaged. In today’s fast-paced business environment, creativity and innovation are essential for staying competitive.
Reduced Employee Morale
Command and control leadership can lead to reduced employee morale. When employees feel like they are being micromanaged and not trusted, they are more likely to be disengaged and unhappy at work. This can lead to increased turnover rates and decreased productivity. Small businesses need to prioritize employee morale to retain talent and create a positive work environment.
Slow Decision Making
In a command and control environment, decisions often have to go through multiple layers of management before being implemented. This slow decision-making process can hinder the growth and success of small businesses. In today’s rapidly changing business environment, small businesses need to be able to make decisions quickly to stay ahead of the competition.
Ineffective Communication
Command and control leadership often results in ineffective communication. Employees are not encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas, leading to a lack of communication and collaboration. This can hinder problem-solving and decision-making, leading to missed opportunities and decreased efficiency.
Gateway to Toxic Leadership
Command and control leadership can be a gateway to toxic leadership. When leaders prioritize strict control and obedience, they may be more likely to engage in abusive or bullying behavior. This can create a toxic work environment that damages employee morale and the company’s reputation.
In conclusion, small businesses need to avoid a strict command and control leadership style. Instead, they should prioritize creativity, innovation, employee morale, and effective communication. Small businesses should focus on creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and trusted. This can lead to increased productivity, faster decision-making, and a competitive advantage in the marketplace. By avoiding the negative aspects of command and control leadership, small businesses can create a culture of collaboration, creativity, and innovation that will help them thrive in the long run.
For further reading on leadership styles for small businesses, check out these resources:
Small Business Trends: How to Choose the Best Leadership Style for Your Small Business
Forbes: 10 Leadership Styles That Build Better Teams
Inc.: The 5 Best Leadership Styles for Small Business Owners
The post Command and Control Leadership – Business Brain 436 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 29, 2023 • 15min
The Importance of Business Ethics
What happens when a business decides to hide the truth from its bank? Is it just unethical or could it also be illegal? Join us today for Business Brain episode 435 to hear this crazy story, and then you decide by contacting us.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #435 for Wednesday, March 29th, 2023
00:01:47 Fudging The Numbers…With Your Bank!
00:04:17 SPONSOR: Notion. With whatever you’re working on, Notion AI lets you skip to the good part. Save time and write faster by letting Notion AI handle the brainstorm and first draft. For a limited time, try Notion AI for free when by visiting Notion.com/businessbrain.
00:06:20 Holy Ethical Gymnastics, Batman!
How would the bankers feel?
How would your employees feel?
00:14:38 BB 435 Outtro
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This AI-generated article may provide additional resources for you regarding the business ethics topic discussed on this episode of Business Brain.
The Importance of Business Ethics for Small Businesses
Small businesses play a crucial role in the economy of any country. They generate employment, foster innovation, and contribute to the growth of the economy.
However, running a small business can be challenging, especially when it comes to competing with larger companies. In such a competitive environment, maintaining a reputation for ethical behavior can be the key to success.
Business ethics refers to the moral principles that govern the behavior of individuals and organizations in the business world. It involves making decisions that are fair, honest, and transparent. Ethical behavior in business is not only the right thing to do, but it can also be beneficial to small businesses in the long run.
The importance of business ethics for small businesses cannot be overstated.
Here are some reasons why:
Building Trust with Customers and Clients
Small businesses often rely on word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat business to stay afloat. Building trust with customers and clients is essential to maintaining a loyal customer base. By conducting business ethically, small businesses can create a positive reputation that will attract more customers and clients.
Attracting and Retaining Talented Employees
Small businesses often struggle to compete with larger companies when it comes to attracting talented employees. However, by maintaining a reputation for ethical behavior, small businesses can attract employees who share their values. Additionally, employees are more likely to stay with a company that is committed to ethical behavior.
Avoiding Legal and Financial Consequences
Small businesses are not immune to legal and financial consequences of unethical behavior. Violations of labor laws, environmental regulations, and other laws can result in fines and legal fees that can be crippling to a small business. By following ethical practices, small businesses can avoid costly legal and financial consequences.
Contributing to a Better Society
Small businesses are an integral part of their communities. By conducting business ethically, small businesses can contribute to a better society. For example, small businesses that engage in environmentally friendly practices can help to reduce pollution and promote sustainable living.
Long-Term Success
Small businesses that prioritize ethical behavior are more likely to succeed in the long run. By building a positive reputation for ethical behavior, small businesses can attract loyal customers and clients, talented employees, and investors who share their values.
In conclusion, business ethics is a vital component of any small business. By following ethical practices, small businesses can build trust with customers and clients, attract and retain talented employees, avoid legal and financial consequences, contribute to a better society, and achieve long-term success. Small business owners should make ethical behavior a top priority and strive to maintain a reputation for honesty, transparency, and fairness.
The post The Importance of Business Ethics – Business Brain 435 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 24, 2023 • 17min
Working While Traveling and Receivables Best Practices
Join us this week as we discuss being productive while traveling as Dave wraps up a 12-day work trip. Then it’s on to a listener question about collecting those pesky late invoices.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #434 for Friday, March 24th, 2023
00:01:15 Working on a travel schedule creates more efficient work habits
Set a Timer!
Create times to shift gears.
Quartet
00:08:12 SPONSOR: Thinkific Plus is a powerful training platform that lets you create materials to educate your customers so they stay being customers. Get one month of Thinkific Plus FREE at Thinkific.com/BusinessBrain today.
00:10:05 Robert-What are your favorite tips and tricks for collections?
Timely Invoices
Polite Persistence, reminders
Dave’s Magic Phrase (listen to hear it!)
Contact one of their employees
00:16:19 BB 434 Outtro
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The post Working While Traveling and Receivables Best Practices – Business Brain 434 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 22, 2023 • 26min
Hiring and Firing Protected Classes
Join us as we discuss hiring and firing practices on this episode of Business Brain! Keep your business compliant with laws and follow best practices to ensure you minimize the chances of problems after hiring or firing.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #433 for Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023
00:01:41 Mr. X-Addressing Racism Accusations When Hiring and Firing
00:10:54 SPONSOR: Thinkific Plus is a powerful training platform that lets you create materials to educate your customers, so they stay customers. Get one month of Thinkific Plus FREE at Thinkific.com/BusinessBrain today.
00:12:48 Hire SSSLLLOOOWWLLLYY
Watch how people interact with wait staff
Start an Intern Program
What are you a nerd about?
Tell me something unique I’ll remember about you.
90-Day Trial Period
Bambee.com
SCORE
00:25:06 BB 433 Outtro
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Mar 17, 2023 • 19min
The Cash Flow Episode
Let’s talk about cash flow! What is it, why it’s so important, how to plan for it, and more. Dave and Shannon take a deep dive into managing your cash for success and what to do when things don’t go exactly as planned (because they won’t).
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #432 for Friday, March 17th, 2023
00:01:56 Robert-What is Cash Flow?
00:06:17 SPONSOR: Headspace helps improve mental health – through guided meditations, mindfulness practices, breathing and calming exercises, and so much more. try Headspace FREE for 30 days by going to Headspace.com/BRAIN30.
00:10:17 More Cash Flow
00:18:19 BB 432 Outtro
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Mar 15, 2023 • 27min
The Reality of the Metaverse and the Impact of Bank Failures
Is the Metaverse all hype and no hope? Join us for episode 431 of Business Brain as we discuss two visions of Metaverse opportunities. Then it’s on to a timely talk about bank failures and how they may impact your business, even if your bank is safe.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #431 for Wednesday, March 15th, 2023
00:01:00 Podcast Movement
00:02:19 Don’t Ignore the Blockchain
00:13:22 SPONSOR: Headspace helps improve mental health – through guided meditations, mindfulness practices, breathing and calming exercises, and so much more. try Headspace FREE for 30 days by going to Headspace.com/BRAIN30.
00:15:41 How Could The Bank Failures Impact My Business?
Have More Than One Bank
Increase Lines of Credit When You Don’t Need One!
00:26:05 BB 431 Outtro
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The post The Reality of the Metaverse and the Impact of Bank Failures – Business Brain 431 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mar 10, 2023 • 24min
MS Teams, Actions for Success and Sales Quotas
Today we talk more about MS Teams, and then it’s on to a sandwich story tied to taking action to build success in your life. Shannon shares a story about wineries and sales quotas that will blow your mind and more. Join us!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #430 for Friday, March 10th, 2023
00:01:33 Tony-427-Feedback on using MS Teams effectively
00:05:04 Duffy’s Sandwich Story
00:11:25 SPONSOR: Notion. With whatever you’re working on, Notion AI lets you skip to the good part. Save time and write faster by letting Notion AI handle the brainstorm and first draft. For a limited time, try Notion AI for free when by visiting Notion.com/businessbrain.
00:13:39 PODCAST: eCommerce MasterPlan — Are you interested in growing your eCommerce store? Or starting one? Then you should be listening to the award-winning top eCommerce podcast – eCommerce MasterPlan
00:14:32 Sandbagging Sales Quotas
00:23:23 BB 429 Outtro
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