Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast

Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss the value of fostering community, gaining insights from team members, and continuously experimenting to improve business operations in episode 607 of Business Brain. They begin with lighthearted banter about National Ice Cream Day and share listener reviews and feedback, highlighting the power of community and networking. They recount a listener’s positive experience hiring a guest from a past episode, which inspires a discussion about creating a platform for the Business Brain community, possibly through Slack, Discord, or LinkedIn. The hosts emphasize the importance of asking employees impactful questions like, “What’s the best idea to improve our company?” and “What’s the stupidest thing we’re doing right now?” They explore how these questions, along with additional ones generated through AI tools, can lead to meaningful insights and innovations. However, they stress the need to manage expectations and follow through on actionable feedback to maintain trust and engagement. They also reflect on lessons learned from other businesses, such as Fastenal’s innovative vending machine model, which streamlines supply management for companies. Dave shares his experience with leveraging trade organization memberships for networking and business strategy insights, while Shannon reiterates the importance of experimentation and continuous learning. The episode concludes with a call for listener reviews and feedback, emphasizing the show’s commitment to providing value and encouraging a spirit of collaboration and growth within the Business Brain community. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #607 for Casual Friday, December 13th, 2024 December 13th: National Ice Cream Day 00:01:42 Business Brain Review 00:02:40 Tom hired Jack Tompkins after listening to BB 307 00:04:31 Where is the home for the Business Brain community? 00:08:24 SPONSOR: Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code BRAIN at incogni.com/brain and get 60% off an annual plan. 00:10:02 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:11:20 Two questions to ask and improve your business today Fastenal What is the best idea you have right now to improve our business? What is the stupidest thing we’re doing right now? And ten more questions from ChatGPT 00:21:47 Business Brain 607 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Best and Stupidest – Business Brain 607 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss strategies for elevating your business on episode 606 of Business Brain. They emphasize the importance of going beyond merely listing products on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Whatnot. Building relationships with platform executives and engaging in their communities can lead to invaluable benefits, such as media opportunities and prioritized support. Shannon shares a personal anecdote about gaining concierge service on eBay by participating in a promotional video, which later resulted in significant advantages for his business. They highlight networking as a critical element in business, encouraging sellers to connect on LinkedIn, attend trade shows, and engage in online communities to stand out and create pathways for support and growth. The episode also touches on the importance of end-of-year financial planning, such as evaluating fiscal year alignment, contributing to retirement accounts like solo 401(k)s, and effectively choosing health insurance plans. Shannon advocates for a reflective practice of writing a one-page summary daily or annually, documenting business and personal highlights, and sharing it for accountability. The hosts underscore the value of using tools like AI for summarizing and analyzing personal or business data to identify strengths and weaknesses. They close the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with them for further advice and continue living “charmed lives.” 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #606 for Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 December 11th: National App Day 00:02:00 Selling is not enough Are you a part of the community? Are you connected to the people at the companies whose tools you use? LinkedIn, Conferences, online communities Be positive. Be in the flow. 00:09:39 SPONSOR: Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code BRAIN at incogni.com/brain and get 60% off an annual plan. 00:11:16 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:12:35 End of year tasks Should your company’s year-end be December/calendar year Contribute to your retirement accounts 00:16:13 Healthcare… business plan or individual plan? 00:19:09 Write one page per day…and share it with someone Start thinking about your executive summary 00:21:41 Business Brain 606 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Selling is Not Enough + Year End Tasks – Business Brain 606 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this episode of Business Brain, hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean interview Adam Janney, co-founder of Tuska Outdoors, about his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative products his company creates. Adam shares how he and his partner, Josh, built a business manufacturing hunting blinds and lightweight insulated campers using a unique material made of high-density EPS foam with a hard coating. The discussion highlights their early struggles, such as self-funding by selling their homes, navigating manufacturing challenges, and tackling logistical hurdles. Adam describes how they developed their standout product, the Hitchhiker camper, which originated from a personal need for a lightweight, insulated solution during hunting trips. After showcasing the product at a major outdoor trade show and launching an initial pre-order campaign, the camper gained significant traction, resulting in rapid growth for the company. Adam explains how their product’s unique lightweight and insulated design allows for direct-to-consumer shipping, a rarity in the camper industry. The conversation delves into the dynamics of Adam’s partnership with Josh, emphasizing the importance of complementary skills and clear division of responsibilities. Adam also credits their success to a trusted third-party mentor who provides valuable guidance and perspective. Looking ahead, Adam shares the challenges of scaling their business, including expanding their team and production space, and the need to implement standardized processes to sustain growth. He reflects on their evolution from survival mode in the first year to building a sustainable business in the years ahead. The episode concludes with insights into the value of adaptability, blind faith, and resourcefulness in entrepreneurship. Listeners are encouraged to check out Tuska Outdoors on social media and their website to explore the innovative products that have captivated outdoor enthusiasts. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #605 for Casual Friday, December 6th, 2024 December 6th: National Microwave Oven Day 00:01:26 Special Guest: Adam Janney from Tusca Outdoors From College Baseball to EPS Foam…a business partnership is made! Sold their houses for seed capital Gary Arndt on Business Brain The Right Spouse is a Force-Multiplier “Too cheap to buy a teardrop trailer”…and now you have a business! 00:11:29 SPONSOR: Launch, run, and make your business official at LegalZoom.com — Promo code BBSHOW gets 10% off any business formation product. 00:13:17 SPONSOR: Notion combines project management with your docs, knowledge base, and AI. You can try it for free today at Notion.com/businessbrain. 00:14:36 The value of splitting a business partnership early in the process 00:17:00 Finding that third-party business therapist 00:21:24 Properly managing growth Using Notion to codify your processes 00:24:10 Business Brain 605 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Tusca Outdoors Co-founder Adam Janney – Business Brain 605 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Key Themes: Doubt in Entrepreneurship: – Doubt is a universal challenge for entrepreneurs, whether they’re just starting or experienced in their journey. – The hosts discussed how connecting with other business owners helps normalize these feelings, reducing the isolation often felt by solo entrepreneurs. – Anecdotes were shared about overcoming imposter syndrome, including one story of a successful entrepreneur who grappled with a coach’s offhand remark about intelligence and education. The Importance of Downtime: – Downtime is crucial for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout. – Dave emphasized being intentional about scheduling downtime, viewing it as a necessary task rather than an indulgence. – The hosts shared personal experiences, such as Dave’s recent family-focused holiday and Shannon’s challenges in embracing relaxation amid a busy lifestyle. – The idea of “productive rest” was highlighted, where intentional breaks lead to renewed energy and focus. Community and Vulnerability: – Engaging with others—whether through coaching groups, meetings, or casual conversations—helps dismantle the myth that entrepreneurs must have it all figured out. – Sharing struggles fosters a sense of solidarity and helps build resilience. Listener Engagement: – The hosts encouraged listeners to share their downtime strategies and personal insights on managing self-doubt at feedback@businessbrain.show. Sponsor Highlights: – LegalZoom: Affordable legal solutions for business formation and compliance, with a special discount using promo code BBSHOW. – Notion: A comprehensive productivity tool integrating notes, projects, and AI for seamless workflow management. Takeaways: – Self-doubt is part of the entrepreneurial journey, but sharing and learning from others can make it manageable. – Intentional downtime is as vital as work itself—it fuels productivity and overall well-being. – Building connections within the entrepreneurial community provides invaluable support and shared learning. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and contribute to the conversation to foster collective growth. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #604 for Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 December 4th: Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day 00:01:27 Doubt Imposter Syndrome 00:07:20 What are you struggling with right now?  00:08:18 SPONSOR: Launch, run, and make your business official at LegalZoom.com — Promo code BBSHOW gets 10% off any business formation product. 00:10:05 SPONSOR: Notion combines project management with your docs, knowledge base, and AI. You can try it for free today at Notion.com/businessbrain. 00:11:25 Be intentional with your downtime You’re not falling in love with being busy, you’re falling in love with being productive. That also means good breaks… schedule downtime in your calendar just like any other task. Those short breaks can be fantastic. 00:19:29 Business Brain 604 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain   The post Doubt and Downtime – Business Brain 604 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

The podcast episode of Business Brain focuses on key entrepreneurial strategies, including rapid idea evaluation, leveraging opportunities, and creative funding strategies. Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss the importance of quickly vetting business ideas by evaluating potential risks, rewards, and long-term benefits. They share examples, such as avoiding a low-value investment in auctioned products and preferring systems that provide ongoing value over short-term gains. Shannon introduces his “flip-to-fund” strategy, where he finances lifestyle upgrades (like ATVs or property) by finding great deals, buying multiple items, and reselling enough to cover the cost of what he keeps. This approach aligns with his frugality and preference for funding assets with profits rather than direct spending. He emphasizes that research and persistence are key to mastering this method. The hosts also highlight the value of peer groups, accountability, and learning from others to refine decision-making and entrepreneurial skills. They express gratitude for their listeners and reflect on the benefits of collaboration, both in their podcast and personal growth. The episode concludes with a call for listener reviews and engagement, inviting stories of similar strategies and ideas. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #603 for Casual Friday, November 29th, 2024 November 29th: National Day of Listening 00:01:06 Vetting Opportunities Quickly 00:09:04 SPONSOR: Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code BRAIN at incogni.com/brain and get 60% off an annual plan: <https://incogni.com/brain> 00:10:44 Thank you! 00:13:43 Flip to Fund Apple Studio Display LG 5K Display 00:19:10 Business Brain 603 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Vetting Opportunities Quickly – Business Brain 603 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this podcast episode, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss key concepts related to entrepreneurship, motivation, and business growth. Shannon shares his experience working on a landing page for an online course, highlighting the importance of using proven design methods to cater to different buyer personas. They discuss the science behind sales pages, including the value of strategically placed calls to action and understanding user behavior. The conversation shifts to managing boredom as an entrepreneur, with both hosts reflecting on how feelings of stagnation can signal the need for new challenges or projects. Shannon shares anecdotes about his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the transition from chaos and growth phases to maintenance mode, and how this shift often led him to explore new ventures. Both agree that understanding when to pivot or delegate responsibilities is critical. They also discuss leadership styles, contrasting the roles of a leader versus a manager, and how recognizing personal strengths can help entrepreneurs focus on their most impactful contributions. The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to share their experiences managing entrepreneurial boredom and transitions. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #602 for Wednesday, November 27th, 2024 November 27th: DrinksGiving 00:01:39 Review Business Brain 00:02:05 Landing Page Design Hero page 00:09:18 SPONSOR: Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code BRAIN at incogni.com/brain and get 60% off an annual plan: <https://incogni.com/brain> 00:10:54 Being motivated by boredom Fear of success Don’t treat your employees like you would want to be treated in their shoes 00:19:46 Business Brain 602 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Motivated by Boredom – Business Brain 602 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this episode of Business Brain, hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean explore the power of memes and GIFs in business marketing. They discuss how these tools can effectively cut through the noise, grab customer attention, and add a touch of humor to branding. Shannon shares his experience using trending memes with tools like memelord.tech, while Dave demonstrates how AI, like ChatGPT, can assist in creating context-relevant memes. The duo also highlights the importance of integrating personality into branding. They recount personal stories of leveraging humor, creativity, and human connection to make businesses more relatable, even suggesting playful phone auto-attendants as an example. The episode emphasizes the importance of embracing casual, human touches in business interactions and marketing to foster stronger connections with customers. Listeners are encouraged to share feedback and examples of their own creative branding strategies. Listeners are invited to review the show and share their thoughts at businessbrain.show. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #601 for Casual Friday, November 22nd, 2024 November 22nd: National Go For a Ride Day 00:01:08 The Power of GIFs and Memes How to say GIF Memelord Novelty or Familiarity Relating current events to your business with memes 00:06:11 We’re (still) not selling your identity. 00:09:11 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:10:43 SPONSOR: Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code BRAIN at incogni.com/brain and get 60% off an annual plan. 00:12:08 Making Your Personality your Brand The Alter Ego Effect Replace your hold music with you…telling them a story about your company Get a model release form Computer NERDZ! 00:21:12 601 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain   The post Adding Your Personality to Your Business – Business Brain 601 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this milestone episode, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean celebrate 600 episodes of Business Brain and reflect on their journey of adapting and evolving over the years. The conversation focuses on an insightful concept: “solving for money” and the mindset shifts that come with financial independence. Key Takeaways: The Meaning of Solving for Money: “Solving for money” is not about achieving a specific bank balance but developing a mindset of financial confidence. It’s the realization that you can generate income when needed, which often comes after successfully creating something on your own. Both hosts emphasize that solving for money brings flexibility and freedom rather than ease. It allows you to focus on what truly interests you. Living Below Your Means: Shannon shares personal experiences of always living below his means, funding his lifestyle with profits instead of assets, and avoiding debt. This approach has helped him navigate challenges, including family expenses like weddings and college. The $1,000 Brain Switch: Shannon describes the “brain switch” that flips the first time you independently earn significant money. This switch fosters confidence in your ability to generate income, even in the face of setbacks or failures. The Danger of Complacency: The hosts discuss the risk of complacency when financial success leads to larger bank balances. They advocate for reinvesting profits into assets that generate income rather than spending on depreciating items like expensive cars or unnecessary luxuries. Asset vs. Profit Mindset: Shannon and Dave stress the importance of turning profits into income-generating assets. They share examples, including investing in real estate and rental opportunities like RVs. Mindset Over Money: The episode underlines that financial freedom is more about mindset than money. Shannon highlights how he’s felt “rich” most of his life due to the freedom to carve his own path, even during lean times. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #600 for Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 November 20th: National Absurdity Day 00:01:00 Six Hundred Episodes…w00t! 00:02:16 The mindset of solving for money I’ve always felt rich even when I was objectively broke Live below your means so that your revenue has a greater impact Fund your lifestyle with profits, not assets Scale up…and be willing to scale down 00:05:35 The Thousand Dollar Brain Switch Once you realize you know how to make money I can survive failure 00:10:33 SPONSOR: Shopify – For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/BusinessBrain and upgrade your selling today! 00:12:05 SPONSOR: Incogni. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code BRAIN at incogni.com/brain and get 60% off an annual plan. 00:13:31 Success vs. Complacency Look at your bank account(s) every day Don’t Spend Assets 00:20:30 Comparing both of today’s topics Get yourself a set of drums…and then send the rest into “asset-land” It’s all mindset! Turo Car Rental  RVShare 00:24:52 600 Outtro Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Once You Solve for Money – Business Brain 600 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this episode of Business Brain, hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss the journey of transforming an idea into a business and the mindset shifts required for success. Reflecting on the story of Erica Beth Levin, they emphasize the importance of taking the first steps rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Hamilton and Jean use a baseball analogy to advocate for consistency and resilience over “home runs” in business, suggesting that getting “on base” frequently is more critical for long-term success. They also delve into the concept of flexibility versus freedom in business. While freedom is elusive, flexibility allows business owners to time-shift their responsibilities, giving them control over their schedules and letting them prioritize family or personal interests. This flexibility, they argue, is often a powerful motivator and is valuable not only for business owners but also for employees in modern work environments. The hosts also share their personal experiences with time-shifting and discuss the value of fostering a flexible work culture that empowers employees to manage their own time. They close by inviting listeners to share their stories on managing flexibility and accountability in business. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #599 for Casual Friday, November 15th, 2024 November 15th: National Direct-to-Consumer Day 00:01:21 Dissecting Globowl on Business Brain 599 Taking that step from idea to business Moneyball Theory – how many times do they get on base? Don’t Wait & Don’t Give Up 00:08:01 SPONSOR: Launch, run, and make your business official at LegalZoom.com — Promo code BBSHOW gets 10% off any business formation product. 00:09:51 SPONSOR: Notion combines project management with your docs, knowledge base, and AI. You can try it for free today at Notion.com/businessbrain. 00:11:31 Freedom vs. Flexibility Prioritizing emergencies Time-shifting Building for yourself Ultimate accountability is the differentiator Business Brain Exponential Upside Opportunities 00:23:07 599 Outtro Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post Freedom or Flexibility? Business Brain 599 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this episode of Business Brain, hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean interview Erica Beth Levin, founder of Global—a unique baby food brand aimed at solving the issue of picky eating by introducing children to diverse and flavorful foods early on. Inspired by her own children’s dietary journeys, Erica shares how she began serving her kids the same meals her family ate, from coconut curry to saffron dishes, challenging the norm of feeding children bland, allergen-free purees. Erica discusses the practical challenges of launching a food business, from sourcing ingredients and packaging to scaling up with a remote team. She emphasizes the importance of networking—framing it as “community building”—and creating an advisory board to bridge knowledge gaps. Erica recounts her experience on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, a journey sparked by her son’s encouragement. Filmed in London, the experience required her to delegate business operations, strengthening her ability to trust her team. Throughout the episode, Erica offers advice to entrepreneurs, like surrounding yourself with experts, listening to customer feedback, and always planning ahead. She notes that while scaling a consumer product company (CPG) is challenging, it’s critical to stay innovative and responsive to market trends. In line with Global’s mission, she hints at future plans to expand their product line for adults, creating more opportunities for families to enjoy flavorful meals together. The hosts wrap up by highlighting Erica’s inspiring journey and encouraging listeners to follow her company, Global, and connect with her on social media for more insights. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #598 for Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 November 13th: National Hug a Musician Day Special Guest: Erica Bethe Levin from Globowl 00:01:30 A very picky first child spawns an idea! Feeding everything, including allergens, to the next child 00:04:08 From my child…to all of your children! 00:05:20 Bringing the world to your kids through food 00:06:39 Surrounding yourself with people who know your industry better than you 00:07:35 Accidental Entrepreneur Online and offline publishing 00:11:07 SPONSOR: Launch, run, and make your business official at LegalZoom.com — Promo code BBSHOW gets 10% off any business formation product. 00:12:59 SPONSOR: Notion combines project management with your docs, knowledge base, and AI. You can try it for free today at Notion.com/businessbrain. 00:14:38 Filming a reality show while Erica Bethe Levin on Food Stars with Gordon Ramsay 00:16:45 Evolving your company in your absence 00:21:49 Request to be at your meetings 00:22:30 Use your resources  00:23:43 598 Outtro Follow Globowl Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain   The post Erica Bethe Levin, Founder and CEO of Globowl – Business Brain 598 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.