Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast

Ever had a million-dollar idea? Shannon and Dave discuss what that actually means and the realities behind bringing an idea to fruition. Kickstarter is a big part of that discussion, from both good and bad angles. But first, your two business geeks share a little tax talk about what you should be doing now to be sure you’re ready for the New Year’s ball to drop! The post Kickstarter, the Value of Ideas and Taxes – Small Business Show Episode 43 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

With just a few weeks left before the calendar ticks over to 2016, it’s time to start thinking about a few things: what to do for your employees? What do do for your customers? What to do for yourself? Taxes, health insurance, gifts, bonuses and more are the seeds for today’s topics. Listen to your two favorite business geeks discuss these things and get your questions in before time runs out: feedback@businessshow.co is the best way to reach Shannon and Dave. We’d be happy to hear from you! The post Small Business end of year tasks and opportunities – SBS 42 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Shannon and Dave dig into the mailbag today to answer a trio of questions from folks dealing with departing employees. Various reasons and scenarios led to the departures, and those each play a huge part in the advice and thoughts shared by your two favorite business geeks. On top of that, Dave spends a little time at the beginning of the show discussing the value of time pressure: sometimes you’re more productive when you have less time to complete your work. Send your thoughts in anytime to feedback@businessshow.co. The post Losing Employees, Confidential Information and Moral – SBS 41 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Mick Guinn started Mick’s Macs ten years ago and has learned a lot about being a small business owner during that time. He has always made sure to keep a focus on what his employees actually need, being careful not to project his own desires onto others. He also shares some advice on how to foster a healthy business relationship with your team while still allowing an appropriate and healthy personal distance. A favorite quote, “It was such an interesting disaster to learn from!” But don’t worry, all’s well with Mick’s Macs. Listen today to hear the context of that and more, including what other business Mick describes as a “spiky, but low-hanging fruit!” The post A decade of small business experiences with Mick’s Macs – SBS 40 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

David Sparks, long time attorney and long-time geek left the practice he had been with for decades to branch out on his own. Using his geek skills to build the foundation for his nascent practice’s infrastructure, David is able to better service his clients and carve out that valuable time to spend with family and on other projects. “I knew I wanted to go out on my own, but I was terrified of admitting to myself that I wanted to do it.” Listen to David talk small business legal startup tactics with Dave and Shannon on today’s Small Business Show Visit David at MacSparky.com (for the geek stuff) and SparksEsq.com (for the law stuff). The post Small Business Legal – David Sparks advises and starts businesses appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Juan Collao from My Auto Home discusses home automation as a business. His company helps customers dissect and decipher the best way to automate their specific homes, right down to which light switch to use. Juan’s business is new and he’s already a very astute businessperson. Some great insights in this episode – well worth a listen for business owners at every stage! Highlighted quotes (listen for even more!): When considering giving up your employee status, “What you have here is someone putting money in your bank account every two weeks whether you try 100% or not.” “Maintain a sense of urgency,” even when just starting a business. In addition to Juan’s blog, check out the home automation articles that he’s written for The Mac Observer, too. The post Home Automation as a Business with My Auto Home appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Shannon and Dave talk through the benefits of having someone unrelated to your business act as a sounding board. Almost like creating your own, mini Board of Directors, it’s valuable to have a trusted confidant or two who can give you honest advice, even if it’s from outside your business, looking in. Then it’s on to social media. Dave and Shannon discuss the merits of being yourself, what not to post and the value of paid Facebook promotions. The post Outside Advice for your Small Business and Social Media Tips appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Marilyn Weinstein, founder and CEO of Vivo, says “When you’re the owner, you don’t have the confidence that somebody else’s money gives you.” One trick is building a small business management team so that you’re the “other person” with the money, and delegating those decisions to someone else. Having a partner can mitigate that from day one, so long as you start your partnership correctly. Listen to Marilyn’s lessons and anecdotes on all of this … and more! The post Small Business Management Tips from Marilyn Weinstein, Vivo CEO appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Brian Friss joins us today on the Small Business Show. Brian co-founded DIGISTOR back in 2001 and one of the first things he did was to throw away the business plan he had. Instead he followed and guided his business through an evolution reflective of his marketplace, even changing his core products as necessary throughout time. Still, a chunk of business relies on optical storage, a product that has been “obsolete for seven years.” He is proof that serving a niche can be very profitable, but you need to pay attention to where you need to go next. The biggest lesson: avoid fear-based decisions. Easier said than done! The post Business advice from Brian Friss of Digistor on the Small Business Show appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Kyle Baccus, founder of KC Tool, America’s number one German tool distributor joins Shannon and Dave on the podcast today to talk about how he started his business. He talks through a number of things he’s learned, including how it pays off to be thoughtful before you start, considering how being in a small niche and having the best products can lead you down the path of becoming number one. Stuff mentioned: Rich Dad Poor Dad The post KC Tool Business Interview – Finding your niche and being number one. appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.