Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast

Can being a business owner turn you into a cynic? Solving problems all day and dealing with some customers that drive you nuts? Join Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton today as they discuss ways to avoid the Cynic Cycle. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #429 for Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 00:02:17 Being in Business Makes You a Cynic 00:09:00 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. 00:11:14 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 00:12:07 How To Avoid Being a Cynic Two Tokens of Customer Service Positive Influence with Pacing and Leading 00:22:25 BB 428 Outtro feedback@businessbrain.show If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023 The post The Battle Against Cynicism – Business Brain 429 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

You may have heard the acronym ESG. Environmental, Social Governance seems to impact large corporations mostly, but we want to know if small to medium-sized businesses are impacted at all by ESG concepts. Join us today for a discussion about ESG and a rant about being forced to make decisions. It will be fun and informative – we promise. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #428 for Friday, March 3rd, 2023 00:01:24 ESG and Your Business 00:10:52 PODCAST: Business Credit and Financing Show. If you’re looking to get money for your business, make sure you tune in to the Business Credit and Financing show hosted by funding expert Ty Crandall. 00:11:54 How much does your business care about ESG? 00:20:16 BB 428 Outtro feedback@businessbrain.show If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023 The post What do Small Business Owners Think of ESG? Business Brain 428 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

What messaging App are you using to connect with your employees and business partners? How do you get non-technical people to embrace new solutions for messaging? Join us today on Business Brain for a deep dive into choosing and using messaging Apps. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #427 for Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 00:02:22 How do you message? Slack WhatsApp Microsoft Teams 00:11:38 PODCAST: Business Credit and Financing Show. If you’re looking to get money for your business, make sure you tune in to the Business Credit and Financing show hosted by funding expert Ty Crandall. 00:12:46 What Office do you use? Synology Office LibreOffice 00:16:42 Crowd-sourcing Messaging Apps 00:17:43 BB 427 Outtro feedback@businessbrain.show If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023 The post Messaging Apps for Your Business – Business Brain 427 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Join us today as we meet with Mani Bhushan, Founder of Taco Ocho, a chain of Latin food restaurants in Texas. Mani shares some great tips and sobering advice about the food business and what motivates him daily after 40 years in the restaurant business. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #426 for Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 Featured Guest: Mani Bhushan from Taco Ocho The Efficiency of Sauces From Big Companies to Your Own Company Lesson: You need great people, and you need to make great food Don’t Sacrifice Your Creativity…Nor Your Customers Go get 20,000-30,000 customers Getting closer to your customers Twisting authentic food Adapting Strategic Plans from Big Business Always Be Growing…Follow the Younger Customers’ Needs Choosing a Restaurant Location Traffic generators Traffic patterns Household income Mobile Phone Ping Studies Hedging for a correction with razor thin margins in 2023 Tip: Have a defendable concept BB 426 Outtro feedback@businessbrain.show If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023  The post Interview with Mani Bhushan Founder of Taco Ocho – Business Brain 426 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

What is riskier, working for a corporation where your future may be decided by someone else or starting a business where you make the decisions? Join us for another episode of Business Brain to here about when Dave was “Curtailed” and why Shannon thinks employment is a trap. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #425 for Friday, February 17th, 2023 00:01:05 The Day I Learned The Meaning Of The Word, “Curtailed” 00:06:53 SPONSOR: HelloFresh. Visit HelloFresh.com/BusinessBrain65 and use code BusinessBrain65 and take 65% off your first box! 00:08:46 PODCAST: Masterminding Success Podcast. Whether you’re just thinking about starting an online business or you’ve been running one for years, Keith and Nuria will open your eyes to new and different ways to look at your customers and business! 00:09:40 The Paycheck Fallacy FIRE Concept – Mr. Money Mustache 00:17:26 BB 425 Outtro feedback@businessbrain.show If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023 THIS AI-GENERATED BUSINESS BRAIN ARTICLE CAN PROVIDE MORE BACKGROUND AND RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS TOPIC. Starting a Business: Why It’s Not as Risky as You Think Starting a business is a dream for many, but the perceived risks involved can often hold people back. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that working for a corporation is the safer option, but the truth is, owning a business can be less risky than you might think. In fact, it can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Here are a few reasons why: You’re in control of your own destiny One of the biggest advantages of owning a business is that you’re in control of your own destiny. You’re at the mercy of your employer’s decisions when you work for a corporation. You have no control over the company’s direction or the projects you’re assigned to. This lack of control can be frustrating and lead to dissatisfaction. When you own a business, however, you’re in charge. You get to decide which direction to take your company, which projects to pursue, and how to allocate resources. This level of control can be empowering and can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment that you may not find in a corporate setting. You can mitigate risks through careful planning Another reason why starting a business is not as risky as you might think is that you can mitigate risks through careful planning. A common misconception is that all entrepreneurs are risk-takers. While it’s true that starting a business involves some degree of risk, there are many ways to minimize those risks. By conducting thorough market research, developing a solid business plan, and seeking advice from experienced professionals, you can reduce the likelihood of failure. Additionally, you can take steps to mitigate financial risks, such as securing funding and managing expenses. When you take a strategic approach to starting a business, you can significantly reduce the risks involved. You have the potential for unlimited growth and earnings When you work for a corporation, your earnings are limited by your salary and any bonuses or incentives you may receive. There’s a ceiling to what you can earn, no matter how hard you work or how much value you bring to the company. However, a business’s potential for growth and earnings is unlimited. You can scale your business, increase revenue, and build wealth over time. This potential for unlimited growth and earnings can be a powerful motivator and give you the financial freedom to live the life you want. In conclusion, starting a business is not as risky as you might think. When you own a business, you’re in control of your destiny, you can mitigate risks through careful planning, and you have the potential for unlimited growth and earnings. While it’s true that starting a business involves some degree of risk, the benefits of being your own boss, pursuing your passions, and building a legacy are well worth it. If you’re considering starting a business, don’t let fear hold you back. With the right mindset, planning, and execution, you can achieve success and fulfillment beyond what you ever thought possible. The post The Risk Fallacy: Paycheck vs. Business Owner – Business Brain 425 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

How do you keep your team connected across various locations and time zones? Is it important to build trust and community with hybrid teams that spend part of their time in the office and part working remotely? Join us this week as we use our Business Brains to dig into the concept of the Conversational Enterprise. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #424 for Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 00:01:45 The Conversational Enterprise Grammarly Hire nerds! 00:09:18 SPONSOR: HelloFresh. Visit HelloFresh.com/BusinessBrain65 and use code BusinessBrain65 and take 65% off your first box! 00:11:09 PODCAST: Masterminding Success Podcast. Whether you’re just thinking about starting an online business or you’ve been running one for years, Keith and Nuria will open your eyes to new and different ways to look at your customers and business! 00:12:04 Concept of the Clean Garage 00:13:46 Augmented Conversations 00:19:00 BB 424 Outtro feedback@businessbrain.show If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023 This AI-generated Business Brain article can provide more background and resources related to this topic. The Crucial Role of Communication in Creating a Conversational Enterprise for Hybrid Workers As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced companies to adopt remote work practices, hybrid working has become the new norm. This means that some employees work from the office while others work from home. While this arrangement offers several benefits, such as increased flexibility, it also presents new challenges. One of the most significant is communication. Communication is critical for the success of any organization. It enables employees to collaborate effectively, share knowledge, and make decisions. However, with hybrid work arrangements, communication becomes more complex. Employees who work remotely may feel disconnected from their colleagues, miss important conversations, and need help staying updated on company news. This can lead to feelings of isolation, reduced productivity, and increased turnover. To overcome these challenges, companies need to embrace the concept of the Conversational Enterprise. This term describes a company where communication is open, transparent, and consistent across all levels of the organization. Employees can share ideas, ask questions, and give feedback freely in a Conversational Enterprise. This fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Creating a Conversational Enterprise requires a strategic approach to communication. Here are some tips for companies to consider: Establish clear communication channels. To create a Conversational Enterprise, companies must establish clear channels of communication. This means defining how employees should communicate with each other and what tools they should use. Companies may communicate with email, instant messaging, video conferencing, or project management software. The key is ensuring everyone knows how to use these tools effectively. Encourage regular communication. Regular communication is crucial for hybrid workers. Companies should encourage employees to check in with each other regularly, whether it’s through daily stand-up meetings or weekly team calls. This can help build relationships, foster a sense of community, and prevent feelings of isolation. Ensure everyone is included. One of the challenges of hybrid work arrangements is ensuring that everyone is included in the communication. Companies should make an effort to ensure that remote workers are included in meetings, social events, and other activities. This can help create a sense of belonging and prevent remote workers from feeling left out. Foster a culture of feedback. Feedback is crucial for continuous improvement. Companies should encourage employees to give and receive feedback regularly. This can help identify areas for improvement, resolve conflicts, and foster a culture of transparency. Provide training. To create a Conversational Enterprise, companies may need to provide training to employees. This can help them learn how to communicate effectively, use new tools, and build relationships with colleagues. In conclusion, hybrid work arrangements present new challenges for communication. However, companies can overcome these challenges by embracing the concept of the Conversational Enterprise. By establishing clear communication channels, encouraging regular communication, ensuring everyone is included, fostering a culture of feedback, and providing training, companies can create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. This can help employees feel connected, motivated, and engaged, leading to increased productivity and better business outcomes. The post Trust, Community and the Conversational Enterprise – Business Brain 424 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Have you ever been contacted by a GSA consultant offering easy profits and increased revenue for your business? Are there GSA opportunities you need to take advantage of? Join us on Business Brain for a discussion about the pros and cons of GSA business. Then it’s on to a discussion about adding value BEFORE you ask for money. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #423 for Friday, February 10th, 2023 00:01:52 Todd-415-Follow-up on GSA Schedule Contracts 00:08:26 PODCAST: Business Credit and Financing Show. If you’re looking to get money for your business, make sure you tune in to the Business Credit and Financing show hosted by funding expert Ty Crandall. 00:09:31 Add value FIRST Freemium Dave’s “Minute 31” Billing Paradigm Concept Listen to Lloyd Chapman from BB 317 00:17:53 BB 422 Outtro Coming Up: The Conversation Enterprise feedback@businessbrain.show If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023 THIS AI-GENERATED BUSINESS BRAIN ARTICLE CAN PROVIDE MORE BACKGROUND AND RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS TOPIC. Maximizing Small Business Opportunities with GSA Contracts Small businesses can benefit from selling to the government through General Services Administration (GSA) contracts. The GSA is the largest procurement organization in the federal government and offers a variety of products and services to other federal agencies. By participating in GSA contracts, small businesses can increase their visibility and credibility, reach new customers, and expand their customer base. Pros: Increased visibility: Small businesses can increase their visibility by participating in GSA contracts, as they will be listed in the GSA Advantage! online catalog. This provides a cost-effective way for small businesses to reach a large customer base. Credibility: Participating in GSA contracts gives small businesses credibility in the federal market and signals to customers that they are reliable suppliers. Access to new customers: GSA contracts provide small businesses with access to new customers, including federal agencies, military installations, and other organizations that may not have been previously aware of the company’s products or services. Simplified procurement process: The GSA contract process is a simplified procurement process, allowing small businesses to participate without extensive marketing and sales efforts. Cons: Competition: The GSA contracts are highly competitive, and small businesses must demonstrate that they can provide high-quality products or services at a competitive price. Long procurement process: The GSA procurement process can be time-consuming and requires a significant investment of time and resources to be successful. Strict regulations: Selling to the government through GSA contracts involves strict regulations, including pricing and delivery requirements. Limited product offerings: Small businesses may have limitations on the products or services they can offer under GSA contracts, limiting their growth and expansion opportunities. To maximize the benefits of participating in GSA contracts, small businesses should be proactive and take advantage of the resources available to them, including training, assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the GSA Office of Small Business Utilization. Small businesses should also be prepared to invest the time and resources necessary to meet the requirements of the procurement process, including providing detailed information about their products and services and demonstrating their capability to meet the needs of federal customers. In conclusion, small businesses can benefit from participating in GSA contracts by increasing their visibility, credibility, and access to new customers. However, they should be prepared for competition, a lengthy procurement process, strict regulations, and limited product offerings. To maximize the benefits of GSA contracts, small businesses should take advantage of available resources and be prepared to invest the time and resources necessary to succeed. The post GSA Business Opportunities and Pitfalls – Business Brain 423 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

What is the best pricing strategy for your products and services? Do LLCs offer any tax advantages? And just how valuable is ChatGPT for your Small Business? Join Shannon Jean and Dave Hamilton this week for another bite-sized episode of Business Brain! 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #422 for Wednesday, February 8th, 2023 00:01:23 David-Product Pricing Strategy (and a VA bonus) Caveat: Loss Leaders. ChatGPT 00:09:51 PODCAST: Business Credit and Financing Show. If you’re looking to get money for your business, make sure you tune in to the Business Credit and Financing show hosted by funding expert Ty Crandall. 00:10:57 Jeff-420-LLCs Don’t Offer Any Tax Advantages 00:15:26 BB 422 Outtro Coming Up: The Conversational Enterprise feedback@businessbrain.show If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023 This AI-generated Business Brain article can provide more background and resources related to this topic. Effective Pricing Strategies for Small Businesses Pricing is one of the most important aspects of running a small business. The price of your products or services directly affects your revenue, profit margins, and overall success. However, determining the right price can be complex, especially for small businesses with limited resources and market power. This article will discuss some effective pricing strategies for small businesses and help you determine which is best for your business. Cost-plus pricing Cost-plus pricing is one of the simplest and most straightforward pricing strategies. This method involves calculating the cost of producing a product or delivering a service and adding a markup to determine the final price. The markup is usually a percentage of the cost and represents your profit. This strategy works well for small businesses that clearly understand their costs and a limited number of competitors. Value-based pricing Value-based pricing is a strategy that focuses on the perceived value of a product or service to the customer. This strategy involves determining the value that your product or service provides to the customer and setting a price that reflects that value. This method works well for small businesses that offer unique or high-quality products or services. Penetration pricing Penetration pricing is a strategy that involves setting a low initial price to attract customers and gain market share. This strategy works well for small businesses entering a new market or launching a new product. The idea is to gain a significant customer base quickly and then gradually raise the price as the business grows and becomes more established. Dynamic pricing Dynamic pricing is a strategy that involves adjusting prices in real time based on market conditions, supply and demand, and other factors. This method works well for small businesses that operate in industries with fluctuating demand, such as retail or travel. Dynamic pricing allows small businesses to respond quickly to changing market conditions and adjust prices to maximize revenue. Loss leaders Loss leaders are products or services that are priced lower than their cost to attract customers and drive sales of other, higher-priced products or services. This strategy works well for small businesses that sell multiple products or services and want to encourage customers to purchase more. Loss leaders can be a powerful tool for small businesses, but they must be used carefully. If not managed correctly, loss leaders can lead to a decline in profitability and overall business success. Conclusion Pricing is a critical aspect of running a small business. The right pricing strategy can help you attract customers, increase revenue, and grow your business. However, finding the right pricing strategy can take time and effort, especially for small businesses with limited resources and market power. By understanding the different pricing strategies available and their benefits, you can make informed pricing decisions and improve your chances of success. The post Pricing Strategies and LLC Tax Advantages – Business Brain 422 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Apple rolls out its Business Connect service to get your Small Business listed across multiple Mac and iOS apps. Learn how you can increase the visibility if your business on Maps, Messages, Siri, and more. You can also tap into APIs for services that list your business on other platforms like Google and Bing while gaining access to services like Tap to Pay on iPhone and more. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #421 for Friday, February 3rd, 2023 00:01:59 Travel Freedom Experiment Success! 00:05:11 Listing Your Business Everywhere Apple Business Connect Reputation, Rio SEO, SOCi, Uberall, and Yext Google Business Profile Bing Places for Business 00:11:25 BB 421 Outtro feedback@businessbrain.show If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023 This AI-generated Business Brain article can provide more background and resources about getting your business listed on mapping services. Maximizing Your Online Visibility: The Importance of Listing Your Business on Online Maps In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for the success of your business. One important aspect of this presence is having your business listed on online maps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps. Millions of people use online maps daily to find local businesses, and being listed on these platforms can significantly impact your business’s visibility and success. Increased visibility: Listing your business on online maps can help increase your visibility to potential customers. When someone searches for businesses in your area, having your business listed on online maps can help ensure that you appear at the top of search results. This can help drive more traffic to your business, both online and in-person. Customer reviews: Online maps also allow customers to leave reviews of your business. Positive reviews can help boost your business’s credibility and attract more customers, while negative reviews can help you identify areas for improvement. Accurate information: Online maps can also help ensure that your business’s information, such as your address, hours of operation, and contact information, is accurate and up-to-date. This can help avoid confusion and ensure that customers can easily find your business. Mobile optimization: Online maps are optimized for mobile devices, which are increasingly being used by customers to search for businesses. By having your business listed on online maps, you can reach customers who are using their mobile devices to search for businesses while they’re on the go. Competitive advantage: Not all businesses are listed on online maps, and having your business listed can give you a competitive advantage over those that aren’t. By being listed, you can reach potential customers who might not otherwise have been able to find your business. To ensure that your business is listed on online maps, you’ll need to claim your business listing and verify your information. This can typically be done through the platform’s business center. Once your listing is claimed and verified, you can update your information, add photos, and respond to customer reviews. Further Reading Resources: Google My Business Help Center (https://support.google.com/business) Apple Maps Connect (https://mapsconnect.apple.com/) “The Ultimate Guide to Local SEO” by Moz (https://moz.com/local-search-ranking-factors) “Local SEO Checklist: Get Found by More Customers Online” by Hubspot (https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/local-seo-checklist) “How to Optimize Your Google My Business Listing” by Search Engine Journal (https://searchenginejournal.com/optimize-google-my-business-listing/) In conclusion, listing your business on online maps is an important step in building your online presence and reaching potential customers. By having accurate information, responding to customer reviews, and optimizing your listing for mobile devices, you can increase your visibility, credibility, and success. Utilize the resources listed above to help maximize your online visibility and reach more customers through online maps. The post All About Apple Business Connect – Business Brain 421 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

What’s the best structure for your business between a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and a Sole Proprietorship? Join your hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean as they talk about their experiences with both structures. What are the pros and cons to forming an LLC? What are the risks and obligations for a Sole Proprietorship? Let’s break down the benefits of both business types. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #420 for Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 00:00:42 Successful Launch! 00:04:12 Randy from Rocklin Beware the Onces! 00:10:18 LLC or Sole Proprietor? California Sole Proprietorship Vs LLC 00:18:53 BB 420 Outtro feedback@businessbrain.show If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023 This AI-generated Business Brain article can provide more background and resources about LLCs and Sole Proprietor business options. Choosing the Right Business Structure: LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship Starting a new business can be exciting but also confusing, especially when it comes to choosing the right business structure. The two most popular options are forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) or becoming a sole proprietor. Both structures have their own pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your specific business needs. LLC (Limited Liability Company) Pros: Liability protection: One of the biggest benefits of forming an LLC is the liability protection it provides. As the owner of an LLC, your personal assets are separate from your business assets, so if your business is sued or incurs debt, your personal assets are protected. Tax flexibility: LLCs have the flexibility to choose how they want to be taxed, either as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation or C corporation. Credibility: Having an LLC can give your business credibility and make it easier for you to secure funding and attract investors. LLC Cons: Cost: Forming an LLC can be more expensive compared to starting a sole proprietorship. This is because you’ll need to pay fees to file your articles of organization, obtain a business license and register your business name. Complexity: The rules and regulations surrounding LLCs can be more complex compared to sole proprietorships. This means that you’ll need to invest more time and resources into understanding and complying with these regulations. Sole Proprietorship Pros: Simplicity: A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure and requires the least amount of paperwork and regulation. Cost-effective: Becoming a sole proprietor is the most cost-effective option, as there are no fees to pay or forms to file. Flexibility: As a sole proprietor, you have complete control over your business, which means you can make decisions quickly and change direction as needed. Sole Proprietorship Cons: Unlimited liability: As a sole proprietor, you’re personally responsible for all of your business debts and liabilities. This means that if your business incurs debt or is sued, your personal assets are at risk. Credibility: A sole proprietorship may be seen as less credible compared to an LLC, which can make it harder for you to secure funding and attract customers. Limited growth potential: The growth potential of a sole proprietorship is limited by the amount of personal resources you have available. If you want to grow your business, you’ll need to find other sources of funding, such as loans or investment. In conclusion, choosing the right business structure is an important decision that can impact your business’s success. An LLC offers more liability protection, tax flexibility, and credibility, while a sole proprietorship is more simple, cost-effective and flexible. Consider your specific business needs, such as the type of industry you’re in, your personal financial situation, and future growth plans, to determine the best option for your business. The post LLC or Sole Proprietor – What’s Right For Your Business? Business Brain 420 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.