

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

Feb 10, 2023 • 19min
GSA Business Opportunities and Pitfalls
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
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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.

Feb 8, 2023 • 17min
Pricing Strategies and LLC Tax Advantages
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
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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.

Feb 3, 2023 • 12min
All About Apple Business Connect
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
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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.

Feb 1, 2023 • 19min
LLC or Sole Proprietor - What's Right For Your Business?
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
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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.

Jan 27, 2023 • 15min
Overcoming Lies That Can Kill Success
What is standing in the way of your success? What lies do you need to overcome when they try to sneak into your Business Brain? Join us as we destroy these myths and share with you methods to avoid the “Once’s”.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #419 for Friday, January 27th, 2023
00:02:21 Seven Brutal Lies that Kill Your Success
Everyone Will Laugh at Me
Nobody Cares (Till Yer Dead) by Bitter Pill
It Won’t Be Good Enough
It’s Too Late/I’m Too Old
Yet.
I’m Too Good For This
Being an entrepreneur is a blue collar job
I Can’t Afford It
Beware the “Onces”
Somebody Else Probably Already Thought Of It
If you want your idea to be worth a hundred dollars, write it on a $100 bill
I Already Tried That
00:13:43 BB 419 Outtro
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Jan 25, 2023 • 13min
Can ChatGPT Help You Price Your Product or Service?
What is the best way to determine pricing for your products or services? Can an AI like ChatGPT help you make the best choice? We think ChatGPT can help tremendously, but probably in a different way than you are thinking about. Join us today for another bite-sized Business Brain episode to talk about pricing strategies.
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #418 for Wednesday, January 25th, 2023
00:01:25 The Slight Edge for Teens
00:02:12 ChatGPT’s Pricing Example questions
What price is too high?
What price is so low that it tells you the product won’t be worth it?
What price is starting to get “expensive”?
What price is “a bargain”?
00:12:43 BB 418 Outtro
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The post Can ChatGPT Help You Price Your Product or Service? Business Brain 418 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jan 20, 2023 • 19min
Your Name Dot Com and Traveling Productively
How much would you pay for the website address of your name? What’s it worth to you? It was worth $1000 to Dave Hamilton. How much did Shannon Jean have to pay for his domain name? Listen in to find out! We also discuss travel productivity and more on this episode of Business Brain!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #417 for Friday, January 20th, 2023
00:01:12 Owning Your Own Name’s Domain
Cloudflare DNS Registrar
00:05:01 Traveling Productively
ViewSonic VP16-OLED
00:17:24 BB 417 Outtro
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The post Your Name Dot Com and Traveling Productively – Business Brain 417 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jan 18, 2023 • 23min
Email Productivity Tips and Tricks
Join us for another bite-sized episode of Business Brain as we ask: “Can you manage ALL email with just one mail application?” Listen in as Dave Hamilton explains how he manages one single mailbox for multiple businesses. Shannon takes the challenge and vows to give it a shot before he is buried in email overload.
What email system are you using, and how productive are you?
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #416 for Wednesday, January 18th, 2023
00:01:54 One Inbox to Rule Them All
AirMail for macOS
Fastmail (instead of Gmail)
SaneBox
00:21:42 BB 416 Outtro
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The post Email Productivity Tips and Tricks – Business Brain 416 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jan 13, 2023 • 21min
The Why and How of Social Capital
What is Social Capital? Why is it so important, and how do you get it? Listen to this Friday bonus episode of Business Brain to learn how to use and accumulate this important tool.
Have a question or comment? Send us a message, and if we feature it on an upcoming Business Brain episode, you will be entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #415 for Friday, January 13th, 2023
00:01:23 Have You Done GSA Contracts?
00:04:13 Earning and Spending Social Capital
Depositing to the Social Capital Bank:
Adding value to relationships
Please, thank you, and being polite are the social capital mindset
“How can I help?”
“I’m happy to help, and I know you’d do the same for me.”
Be positive!
Be reliable!
00:20:59 BB 415 Outtro
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The post The Why and How of Social Capital – Business Brain 415 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Jan 11, 2023 • 17min
Conferences and Trade Shows
Dave is back from CES, and Shannon reminds us why meeting people in person is critical to building relationships for you and your team. Join us as we discuss techniques for success and how to pre-plan your event to make it productive.
Have a question or comment? Send us a message, and if we feature it on an upcoming Business Brain episode, you will be entered to win a MacBook Air in 2023!
00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #414 for Wednesday, January 11th, 2023
00:01:55 The Value of Conferences like CES 2023
Planning for Trade Show Success – Business Brain 258
Attending Conferences and Trade Shows Like a Pro – Business Brain 208
CES 2023 LG Booth Walkthrough
00:16:46 BB 414 Outtro
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