

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

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
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Dave on Mastodon: @DaveHamilton@PodcastIndex.Social
Dave on Bluesky: DaveHamilton.com
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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
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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
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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.

Jun 21, 2023 • 19min
How to Get Rich Without Getting Lucky
Join us today for an important episode of Business Brain, where we dive into a series of Tweets by Naval Ravikant. Learn how to exponentially impact your ability to find success and build wealth with these tips. It’s a great episode to learn how to Tune our Business Brains!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #459 for Wednesday, June 21st, 2023
00:01:23 Naval-How to Get Rich without getting lucky
Seek wealth!
Time Billionaire
Build “Specific Knowledge”
00:07:35 SPONSOR: Notion Projects combines project management with your docs, knowledge base, and AI. You can try it for free today at Notion.com/businessbrain.
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00:10:40 Avoid playing Status Games
Use Robots
00:18:19 BB 459 Outtro
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If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023
The post How to Get Rich Without Getting Lucky – Business Brain 459 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jun 16, 2023 • 20min
Living a Pre-Tax Life
Join us for episode 458 of Business Brain as we discuss one of the greatest unrealized methods to improve your life and build wealth. Learn why a simple side hustle or a multi-million dollar business can take advantage of tax benefits to help you enrich your world. Don’t miss these tips; share your own by contacting us!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #458 for Friday, June 16th, 2023
00:01:10 Everything I Do Is Tax-Deductible!
Tax Credit Guy – Owning a Small Business Is The Best Tax Deal in America
00:08:40 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.
00:10:09 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.
00:11:33 Fury-Danny Elfman Doesn’t Take “No” For an Answer, Even From Himself
Beck’s Loser
“You Don’t Have Much Time”
Quartet Glass Board
00:19:13 BB 458 Outtro
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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 Business Tax Deductions and Write-Offs: Building Wealth for Your Small Business in the Pre-Tax Life
Introduction:
In the world of small business, understanding the importance of tax deductions and write-offs can significantly impact your bottom line and help you build wealth. By strategically leveraging these tax benefits, you can optimize your business expenses, minimize your taxable income, and pave the way for financial success. In this article, we explore the significance of business tax deductions and write-offs in the context of the pre-tax life, where smart financial decisions lead to long-term prosperity.
Unlocking the Power of Business Tax Deductions:
Business tax deductions are valuable tools that allow you to reduce your taxable income by subtracting eligible business expenses. They provide a means to decrease your overall tax liability, putting more money back into your pocket to reinvest in your business or allocate towards personal financial goals.
For example, deducting expenses such as office rent, utilities, employee salaries, marketing costs, and business travel can significantly lower your taxable income. This reduction in taxable income translates to paying less in taxes and having more funds available to fuel growth, savings, or investments in the pre-tax life.
Further reading:
– “Understanding Business Tax Deductions” – Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/pay-taxes#section-header-4
Leveraging Write-Offs for Long-Term Wealth Building:
Business tax write-offs allow you to depreciate the value of certain assets over time, reducing your taxable income and generating additional tax savings. Write-offs can be particularly beneficial for businesses that require significant investments in equipment, machinery, or vehicles.
By taking advantage of depreciation and amortization allowances, you can deduct a portion of the asset’s cost each year. This not only decreases your current tax burden but also aligns with the asset’s actual wear and tear over its useful life. These tax savings can be reinvested back into your business, saved for future expansion, or allocated towards personal financial goals in the pre-tax life.
Further reading:
– “Tax Write-Offs for Small Business Owners” – Internal Revenue Service (IRS): https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/tax-write-offs-for-the-self-employed
– “Understanding Depreciation and Amortization” – Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/depreciation.asp
Building Wealth and Securing Financial Success:
By diligently identifying and utilizing business tax deductions and write-offs, you can enhance your financial well-being and establish a solid foundation for wealth building in the pre-tax life. Here are a few key considerations:
a. Consult a Tax Professional: Engaging a knowledgeable tax professional can help you navigate the complex tax landscape, maximize your eligible deductions and write-offs, and ensure compliance with relevant tax regulations. Their expertise can save you both time and money, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
b. Keep Meticulous Records: Accurate record-keeping is essential for claiming deductions and write-offs. Maintain organized and detailed financial records, including receipts, invoices, and documentation of business expenses. This practice not only ensures compliance but also enables you to substantiate your claims if audited.
c. Regularly Review Tax Laws and Regulations: Tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and staying informed is crucial. Regularly review updates from the IRS or consult with a tax professional to understand any new opportunities or potential limitations regarding deductions and write-offs.
Conclusion:
In the pre-tax life, taking full advantage of business tax deductions and write-offs can make a substantial difference in building wealth and securing long-term financial success. By optimizing your expenses, strategically depreciating assets, and making informed financial decisions, you can reduce your tax liability,
The post Living a Pre-Tax Life – Business Brain 458 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jun 14, 2023 • 20min
Steve Jobs, Rick Rubin, Good Taste and Imposter Syndrome
Do You Trust Your “Taste”? How do you learn what good taste is, and can you refine it over time? Join us for episode 457 of Business Brain, where we learn from Steve Jobs and Rick Rubin about what taste really is, how to get it, and how to improve it over time. Then we take a quick dive into the concept of Imposter Syndrome and why Shannon wants your feedback to deal with it. Listen in and tune your Business Brain with us!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #457 for Wednesday, June 14th, 2023
00:01:47 Steve Jobs, Rick Rubin, and “Taste”
Business Brain Mistakes Guide
00:08:52 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.
00:10:19 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.
00:11:44 Managing Imposter Syndrome
00:18:27 BB 457 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.
Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Unmasking Self-Doubt
Introduction:
Imposter Syndrome, a phenomenon characterized by persistent feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, affects individuals from all walks of life, including high achievers and professionals. Despite their accomplishments and competence, those experiencing imposter syndrome believe they are frauds and fear being exposed as such. In this article, we delve into the concept of imposter syndrome, explore its impact, and provide strategies to overcome it.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome:
Imposter syndrome encompasses a range of thoughts and emotions, including the fear of being discovered as a fraud, attributing success to luck rather than skill, and a persistent belief that one’s achievements are undeserved. It can manifest in various areas of life, such as education, work, or personal relationships.
The Impact of Imposter Syndrome:
Imposter syndrome can have detrimental effects on an individual’s mental well-being, career progression, and overall quality of life. The constant self-doubt and fear of failure can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout. It may also hinder professional growth, as individuals may avoid taking on new challenges or opportunities for fear of not measuring up.
Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome:
1. Recognize and Acknowledge: The first step in overcoming imposter syndrome is to recognize and acknowledge its existence. Understand that self-doubt is common and that many successful individuals have experienced similar feelings. This realization can help alleviate the burden of feeling alone in your struggles.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: Imposter syndrome thrives on negative self-talk and distorted perceptions of oneself. Challenge these thoughts by objectively evaluating your accomplishments, skills, and experiences. Focus on the evidence that proves your competence and value.
Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or colleagues who can provide encouragement and reassurance. Sharing your feelings with others can help you gain perspective and realize that you are not alone in your struggles.
Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge your successes, both big and small. Keep a record of your accomplishments and revisit them whenever self-doubt arises. Celebrating your achievements will reinforce your belief in your abilities.
Embrace Failure and Learn: Understand that failure is a natural part of growth and learning. Instead of viewing failure as a confirmation of your imposter syndrome fears, see it as an opportunity to gain valuable insights and improve. Embrace the learning process and focus on your progress rather than fixating on perfection.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and cultivate self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same empathy and understanding you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and experiences setbacks; it does not diminish your worth or competence.
Conclusion:
Imposter syndrome can be a formidable obstacle to overcome, but with awareness and the right strategies, it can be managed effectively. By challenging negative thoughts, seeking support, celebrating achievements, and practicing self-compassion, individuals can gradually diminish the impact of imposter syndrome and regain confidence in their abilities. Remember, you are not alone, and you deserve to recognize and embrace your accomplishments.
For further reading on imposter syndrome, consider exploring the following resources:
“The Imposter Phenomenon” – Caltech Counseling Center: https://counseling.caltech.edu/general/InfoandResources/Impostor
“Overcoming Imposter Syndrome” – Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2018/01/overcoming-imposter-syndrome
“6 Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome” – Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/real-women/202103/6-strategies-overcome-imposter
The post Steve Jobs, Rick Rubin, Good Taste and Imposter Syndrome – Business Brain 457 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jun 9, 2023 • 22min
Apple Vision Pro and a Down Year
Will Apple’s new Vision Pro “spatial computer” impact your business? What opportunities are coming our way as AI and new devices create new ways for you to interact with your customers? Shannon and Dave take a deep dive into the possibilities while at the same time, they discuss 2023 being a down year for business revenue. Listen in for this and more!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #456 for Friday, June 9th, 2023
00:01:05 Apple Vision Pro
00:09:08 SPONSOR: Notion Projects combines project management with your docs, knowledge base, and AI. You can try it for free today at Notion.com/businessbrain.
00:10:38 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.
00:12:15 The freedom of the optimist saying, “this is going to be a down year.”
When you want to compliment, look out the window; when you want to criticize, look in the mirror!
00:20:49 BB 456 Outtro
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The post Apple Vision Pro and a Down Year – Business Brain 456 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jun 7, 2023 • 22min
Six Things Not to Say at Work
What terms should never be said at work? Join us as we discuss the Six Things Not to Say at Work on this episode of Business Brain!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #455 for Wednesday, June 7th, 2023
00:01:55 David-Six Things Not to Say at Work
It’s Not Fair
That’s Not My Problem
No Problem
Bye now vs. Buy Now
Of course, I know you would/will do the same for me.
I’ll Try
But We’ve Always Done It This Way
That’s Impossible
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00:14:43 Patrick-454-Systematizing Urgency
00:21:02 BB 455 Outtro
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The post Six Things Not to Say at Work – Business Brain 455 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jun 2, 2023 • 16min
Driving Results: Cultivating a Sense of Urgency in Your Business
The ability to act swiftly, make decisions promptly, and prioritize tasks effectively can be the defining factor between success and mediocrity. In this episode of Business Brain, we will explore the importance of cultivating a sense of urgency in your business and provide strategies for instilling this mindset within your employees.
Join your hosts, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, for episode 454 of Business Brain!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #454 for Friday, June 2nd, 2023
00:02:15 Maintain A Sense of Urgency! Respond!
People either get it or they don’t.
Some people are hesitant to “get it wrong”, and so they hem and haw about it.
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00:09:22 Communicating a Physical Sense of Urgency
Stand up!
00:11:59 The Verbal Sense of Urgency
How much time do you need to get this done?
00:13:58 Always Be Following-up
SaneBox
00:16:00 BB 454 Outtro
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If your email is featured in an episode, you’re entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023
Embracing a Sense of Urgency: The Key to Success in Business
Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced and competitive business landscape, having a sense of urgency is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The ability to act swiftly, make decisions promptly, and prioritize tasks effectively can define success and mediocrity. This article will explore the importance of cultivating a sense of urgency in your business and provide strategies for instilling this mindset within your employees.
Understanding the Power of Urgency:
A sense of urgency is a mindset that propels individuals and organizations to take immediate action and seize opportunities. It creates a proactive environment where time is considered a valuable resource that should be utilized wisely. Embracing urgency fuels productivity, innovation, and adaptability, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the curve.
Teaching the Concept of Urgency:
1. Lead by Example: As a business leader, you are the role model for your team. Demonstrate a sense of urgency in your own work by promptly addressing issues, making timely decisions, and meeting deadlines. Your actions will inspire and motivate your employees to follow suit.
Communicate the Why: Clearly articulate the reasons why urgency is crucial for success. Help employees understand how a sense of urgency contributes to achieving business objectives, surpassing competitors, and seizing opportunities in the market. Emphasize the importance of acting promptly and decisively to avoid missed chances.
Set Clear Goals and Deadlines: Clearly define goals and establish realistic deadlines for projects and tasks. Break down larger objectives into smaller milestones to create a sense of urgency for achieving incremental progress. Communicate the importance of meeting deadlines and the potential consequences of delays.
Foster a Results-Oriented Culture: Encourage a culture focusing on outcomes and results rather than simply going through the motions. Celebrate achievements and recognize individuals or teams that demonstrate exceptional urgency in achieving their goals. Reinforce the idea that proactive action and efficient execution are valued and rewarded.
Promote Effective Time Management: Provide training and resources on time management techniques to help employees prioritize tasks, minimize distractions, and work efficiently. To optimize workflow, use productivity tools and techniques such as time-blocking, to-do lists, and automation.
Encourage Accountability: Foster a culture of accountability where individuals take ownership of their responsibilities and are answerable for their actions and results. Encourage open communication and empower employees to raise concerns or suggest improvements to streamline processes and increase efficiency.
Continual Learning and Adaptability: Encourage a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability to changing circumstances. Emphasize the importance of staying updated with industry trends and new technologies to remain agile and responsive. Encourage employees to embrace change and see it as an opportunity rather than a disruption.
Conclusion:
A sense of urgency is a transformative mindset that propels individuals and businesses toward success. Instilling this mindset within your employees fosters a culture of proactive action, efficient execution, and continuous improvement. Embracing urgency enables businesses to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and stay ahead in today’s dynamic marketplace.
Remember, urgency is not about rushing or hasty decision-making but about taking purposeful and timely action. When urgency becomes a shared value within your organization, it catalyzes achievement and sets the stage for long-term success.
External Resources:
1. “The Power of Urgency: 7 Steps to Create a Sense of Urgency in Your Team” – Link
2. “Why a Sense of Urgency is Important in Business” – [Link](https://www.entrepreneur.com
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