Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast

In this episode of Business Brain, Dave and Shannon kick things off with a fun nod to National Shower with a Friend Day. They chat about the show’s upcoming 10th anniversary on February 19th and brainstorm some celebration ideas, like giveaways for listeners who submit questions or leave reviews. They’re still deciding what the prize will be, but promise it’ll be something big. The main focus of the episode is all about embracing change in business. Shannon shares a story about a client whose product suddenly became obsolete, highlighting the importance of adapting to stay ahead. They both emphasize that if you’re not actively evolving your business, you risk falling behind. Dave draws parallels to Apple’s strategy of making their own products obsolete to stay innovative. They also discuss their own evolution with the podcast—from calling it DBA (Doing Business As) to shifting away from frequent interviews to keep things fresh. Dave mentions how he had to adjust when his co-host left another show he runs, choosing to do solo episodes rather than scrambling for guests. The episode wraps up with practical advice on the importance of following up in business. Dave talks about using tools like SaneBox to manage email reminders and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Shannon likes the idea and plans to try it out. They encourage listeners to share productivity tips and, of course, leave reviews to get in on the giveaway action. Overall, it’s a laid-back, insightful episode focused on adapting to change, staying proactive in business, and keeping things exciting for both you and your audience. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #620 for Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 February 5th: National Shower With a Friend Day 00:03:22 Change is the only constant “The more that things change, they more they stay the same.” Compete with yourself Feels Like The First Time…at NAMM (on Gig Gab) 00:14:49 Always Be Following Up SaneBox SaneRemindMe Slack Reminders 00:20:38 Business Brain 620 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 The Only Constant is Change – Business Brain 620 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Here’s a summary of the episode: In this episode of Business Brain, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss the importance of understanding what you’re truly selling, beyond just the delivery mechanism. They explore how businesses often mistake their product or service for the actual value they provide, emphasizing that customers are really looking for transformation rather than just a transaction. Shannon shares insights from his coaching business, illustrating how people may come to him for guidance on selling liquidation goods but are actually seeking financial freedom, flexibility, and independence. Dave and Shannon also highlight how this mindset shift impacts marketing, customer relationships, and business strategy. They touch on how companies like Apple focus on the experience and benefits rather than just technical specs, and how reframing a business around transformation can lead to stronger branding and deeper customer engagement. The conversation transitions into the power of AI tools, specifically ChatGPT’s Canvas feature, which Dave recently used to draft an executive summary and set KPIs for his businesses. He explains how AI’s objectivity provided surprising insights and helped him see his business goals more clearly. Shannon experiments with it live, reinforcing the idea that AI is an essential tool for small business owners to stay competitive. The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to embrace AI tools and leverage them for business growth. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #619 for Casual Friday, January 31st, 2025 January 31st: National Fun at Work Day 00:01:52 Don’t confuse what you’re selling with your delivery system Don’t be transactional, be transformational Learn how your customers perceive your business Helps you understand what your customers want Helps you pivot (if/when necessary) Helps you with your marketing Helps get your team behind your purpose 00:08:55 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! 00:10:14 ChatGPT’s Canvas for your Executive Summary…and lots of other things! 00:21:00 Business Brain 619 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 Don’t Confuse the Delivery System with what You are Selling – Business Brain 619 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss the power of free thinking and the cost of leading an uncommon life. They reflect on Dave’s experience at the NAMM conference, where a minor snub from an industry professional fueled his motivation to make a bigger impact. The conversation explores the concept of “coopetition”—collaborating with competitors for mutual growth—and how having a chip on your shoulder can drive success. They then transition into a deeper discussion on economic cycles and business adaptability. Reflecting on past downturns (dot-com bust, 2008 recession, and COVID-19 disruptions), they highlight how advertising trends and market corrections impact business revenue. Shannon emphasizes the importance of being connected in the industry to recognize downturns early and act decisively. Key takeaways include: Use setbacks as fuel for future success. Economic downturns are inevitable—prepare by diversifying income streams. Stay informed by networking within your industry. When business slows down, don’t panic—adapt. Signs of economic recovery are emerging, but strategic planning is essential.   00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #618 for Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 00:01:02 January 29th: Freethinkers Day 00:01:49 Putting a chip on your shoulder so you can WIN 00:09:03 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! 00:10:22 Living Through Economic Cycles Peer groups are your friends Is your industry headed to commodity status? 00:19:13 Blaming yourself, if only to find a creative solution When it rains, fill up your buckets 00:24:03 Business Brain 618 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 Living Through Economic Cycles – Business Brain 618 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Business Brain episode 617, hosted by Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean, covers insights on business growth, persistence, and the value of consistency. Dave shares his experience attending the NAMM conference, a key event in the music industry, where he was invited as press due to his Gig Gab podcast. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes the concept of “overnight success,” taking ten years, underscoring the importance of long-term consistency in content creation. He compares this with the Business Brain podcast, which also started a decade ago, highlighting how both shows have evolved and gained industry credibility over time. Shannon shares his own journey, crediting the podcast for helping him refine his ideas, become more comfortable discussing successes and failures, and ultimately transitioning into a content creator and business coach. He explains how consistently sharing content on X (Twitter) and experimenting with different revenue models—such as paid posts, subscriptions, digital guides, and coaching. The discussion shifts to the power of persistence, with Shannon reflecting on a past million-dollar mistake that he once kept hidden due to shame but now uses as a learning experience for others. He highlights the importance of having the right support system, particularly his spouse, and how that helped him push forward. Both hosts discuss how consistency, data tracking, and treating content creation as a real business have contributed to their success. The episode concludes with a teaser for next week’s discussion on differentiating between the product being sold and the delivery method used to reach customers. They encourage listeners to send feedback and leave reviews, reinforcing the value of audience engagement in their business strategy. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #617 for Casual Friday, January 24th, 2025 January 24th: Macintosh Introduction Day Ten years to “overnight success” Bullheaded-persistence. Business Brain and Gig Gab 00:08:41 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! 00:10:04 Things aren’t always as they seem Shame is a signal to talk MORE about it Shannon’s Assignment: One page per day…and you have to share it with someone 00:17:00 Starting a business isn’t about revenue…it’s about structure and practices Gumroad “If you’re not in the water, you’ll never catch the wave!” “Don’t call me lucky, I have failed more times than you have tried.” 00:25:04 Business Brain 617 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 The 10-Year Overnight Success – Business Brain 617 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Business Brain episode 616 covers a variety of topics related to business strategies, financial efficiency, and personal development. Hosts Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss leveraging business expenses for tax benefits, particularly when planning trips. Dave mentions his travel plans to NAMM and Mexico as business-related deductions. Shannon shares how he and his wife booked a nearly free luxury vacation using reward points, emphasizing the importance of using credit card rewards strategically. They dive into the concept of “riding the wave” in business, using Apple as an example of a company that overcame struggles to become dominant. They also discuss the dot-com boom and bust, explaining how understanding market fluctuations allows businesses to capitalize on downturns, such as acquiring liquidation inventory from failed companies. Another key topic is the advantages of different life stages in business. They explore how youthful ambition attracts opportunities while experience and wisdom later in life provide credibility and strategic insight. They highlight the importance of adapting business strategies to one’s age and stage in life. The episode concludes with a call for listener feedback, reviews, and engagement to help grow the Business Brain community. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #616 for Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 January 22nd: Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day 00:01:30 Planning your company’s annual meeting Annual meeting tax writeoff 00:02:50 Finding success riding the waves and trends Apple Death Knell Counter Dotcom boom…and dotcom bust! Webvan Auctions 00:12:33 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! 00:13:54 Trip using points 705,000 Bonvoy Points 120,000 JetBlue Points $281.34 in cash Bonvoy AmEx 00:19:46 A question: Do you like spreadsheets? feedback@businessbrain.show 00:21:07 Business Brain 616 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 Finding Waves to Ride – Business Brain 616 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this episode of Business Brain, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean interview Scott Jordan, co-founder of the apparel company SCOTTeVEST. Scott shares his journey from being a lawyer dissatisfied with corporate life to founding a successful travel clothing brand. He explains how he came up with the idea for SCOTTeVEST after struggling to carry various devices during his frequent travels in the late 1990s. Initially, he aimed to create a proof of concept for tech-enabled clothing, but after launching an e-commerce-enabled website for $700, SCOTTeVEST became one of the first clothing brands to sell online. Scott describes his early ambitions for rapid growth, including attempts to scale the business to $50 million in revenue, but he later learned that focusing on profitability and sustainability was more important than aggressive expansion. He recounts how handing control over to someone else led to a significant financial loss, prompting a shift in mindset from growth-at-all-costs to survival and efficiency. During the pandemic, Scott and his wife Laura restructured the company, eventually reducing the workforce to zero employees while maintaining profitability. He emphasizes the importance of running a lean business, focusing on quality, and avoiding the trap of pursuing unnecessary growth. He praises his wife’s dedication and credits her as the key factor in their continued success, noting how they complement each other’s skills in running the business. Scott offers advice to entrepreneurs about focusing on fundamentals, maintaining profitability, and ignoring hype around competitors and rapid scaling. He stresses the value of lifestyle businesses and encourages listeners to build a business that supports the life they want to live rather than chasing unicorn status. The episode wraps up with Scott recommending SCOTTeVEST’s popular travel vest and Q-Zip shirts. He advises listeners to focus on sustainable, profitable growth and avoid being distracted by competition or trends. Press play and be sure you don’t miss a bit! 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #615 for Casual Friday, January 17th, 2025 January 17th: National Customer Service Day 00:00:42 Special Guest: Scott Jordan from SCOTTeVEST 00:01:41 Scott’s history Lawyers have Scarlet Ls on their foreheads Joined a startup: The Next 50 – A Portal for Seniors Shot Down Idea: get Rudy from Survivor to be a spokesperson Did we need the Enron Egg to power our cellphones back in 1999? Technology Enabled Clothing was the goal… SCOTTeVEST was the proof-of-concept to sell it 00:08:12 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! 00:09:35 Growing a business… 00:11:52 $18MM in sales… gotta get to $50MM! And then we went backwards! 00:15:14 …and then shrinking it! We’ll figure it out! Changed focus from top line to bottom line I stopped doing anything that causes more friction 00:18:56 Lifestyle Business is a Good Thing! 00:20:34 SkypeGate 00:21:06 The reason this business is successful is because of my wife, Laura She loves solving puzzles 00:25:17 I don’t want to be a part of the wrong vision of success 00:27:53 SCOTTeVEST QZip Pullover Shirt 00:28:20 IP and competition aren’t as important as you think. Focus on the fundamentals Focus on making money every single day, not just Q4 00:29:35 Business Brain 615 Outtro Follow Scott Jordan from SCOTTeVEST 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 Scott Jordan, Founder of SCOTTeVEST – Business Brain 615 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this episode of Business Brain, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss Dave’s recent experience at CES 2025, including standout products and the importance of planning for trade shows. Dave highlights a notable $800 5K Thunderbolt display from ViewSonic, offering significant value compared to similar products from Apple and LG. Shannon emphasizes the value of exclusivity and rarity in products, sharing his past experience selling white iPhone case backs, which attracted high demand due to their uniqueness. They transition into a discussion about how to introduce emotion, desire, status, and prestige into sales strategies. Shannon explains how selling luxury goods taught him to leverage exclusivity and scarcity, which drove up perceived value and pricing. They encourage listeners to identify products or services that can evoke desire or offer social validation, helping businesses stand out in competitive markets. The episode also revisits the concept of the “Whistle, Workhorse, and Whale” strategy: the whistle attracts attention, the workhorse generates steady income, and the whale represents high-end, exclusive offerings that enhance brand image. They urge businesses to think creatively about how to incorporate prestige, exclusivity, or guarantees to add value and attract customers. Press play and ensure you learn what you need in order to keep living that charmed life! 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #614 for Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 January 15th: National Bagel Day 00:02:02 CES 2025 Hyper(/Targus) HyperPack Pro ViewSonic 27” 5K 00:07:09 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! 00:08:32 Introducing Emotion and Desire for Everything You Sell Selling luxury goods has lessons that apply to other businesses Status and Prestige Exclusivity and Rarity Make Your Products Aspirational The whistle, the workhorse, and the whale 00:17:40 Business Brain 614 Outtro Friday: Scott Jordan from SCOTTeVEST 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 Using Emotion and Desire in Your Business – Business Brain 614 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this episode of Business Brain, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean discuss the concept of “Quitter’s Day,” which falls on the second Friday of January and highlights the high rate of people abandoning their New Year’s resolutions by mid-January. They share personal experiences with social media experiments, where Dave posts identical content across various platforms, including X, Threads, Mastodon, and LinkedIn, to measure audience engagement and decide where to focus future efforts. Shannon emphasizes the importance of intentional platform growth, sharing how he grew his following on X from 500 to over 33,000 by consistently engaging and applying the 80-20 content rule—80% value-driven content and 20% fun or intriguing posts. They also discuss platform-specific audiences, noting that different platforms cater to different demographics and engagement styles. Shannon explains his approach to managing content across platforms using an assistant, while Dave considers platform diversity for his various content topics—tech, business, and music. Both agree that it’s essential to grow one platform at a time to avoid being overwhelmed. The discussion touches on using algorithms effectively by creating secondary anonymous accounts for experimentation and leveraging high-engagement posts, even on seemingly unrelated topics, to boost overall visibility. They conclude by highlighting the importance of adaptability in social media strategy and hint at upcoming topics for future episodes, including emotional triggers in sales and an interview with Scott Jordan of ScottyVest. The episode ends with a call to action for listeners to leave a review. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #613 for Casual Friday, January 10th, 2025 January 10th: Quitters Day 00:01:42 Dave’s EVERY PLATFORM experiment Threads LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X.com Mastodon Bluesky 00:18:08 Social Media Growth 101 Turn on notifications for larger accounts in your subject matter And then reply to get exposure 00:23:36 Business Brain 613 Outtro Next week: Scott Jordan from SCOTTeVEST 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 The Every Platform Experiment – Business Brain 613 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this episode of Business Brain, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean kick off the new year with an insightful discussion on embracing chaos, managing schedules, and giving more compliments. Shannon shares two things he loves about the New Year: selling exercise equipment during peak season and setting resolutions, particularly focusing on giving intentional and authentic compliments. He notes how giving compliments, especially to men who are often under-complimented, can uplift and improve social interactions. The conversation then shifts to managing chaos in personal and professional life. Dave describes his packed January schedule, balancing conferences, rehearsals, and travel while ensuring he stays productive and energized. He emphasizes the importance of mindset and planning to thrive in chaos rather than just survive it. Shannon shares a personal story about juggling tasks during a family vacation and how intentional planning leads to a sense of accomplishment. They also highlight the role of having the right partner in life, calling the right spouse a “force multiplier” in managing chaotic schedules. Both stress the significance of shared family calendars and tools like Calendly to coordinate busy schedules and prevent burnout. They wrap up by encouraging listeners to embrace chaos, give more compliments, and use effective tools for time management. Listeners are invited to leave reviews and keep living a “charmed life.” 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #612 for Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 January 8th: National Snuggle a Chicken Day 00:01:39 Arbitrage on Exercise equipment 00:02:16 New Year’s Resolutions Give out more compliments Compliment actions as a default 00:07:30 Review Business Brain 00:08:12 Comfortable with Chaos 00:16:47 The Right Spouse is a Force Multiplier 00:19:44 Managing your Family Calendar Calendly 00:22:13 Business Brain 612 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 Getting Comfortable with Chaos – Business Brain 612 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

In this episode of Business Brain, Dave Hamilton and Shannon Jean welcome guest Noelle Hilal, owner of Iris Tattoo and Piercing. The discussion dives into the innovative approach Noelle has taken to redefine the tattoo industry, emphasizing customer experience, premium service, and top-tier talent management. Noelle explains how Iris Tattoo was born out of the desire to improve the traditional tattoo shop experience, creating a boutique-style environment often likened to an “Apple store” for tattoos. The studio prioritizes customer service, offering curated experiences that include amenities like beverages, concierge service, and high levels of communication. Iris charges a premium—sometimes four times standard rates—but ensures unmatched quality and comfort. The conversation also highlights Noelle’s approach to managing talent, treating tattoo artists as “internal clients” and providing stability to attract and retain top talent. While the artists are independent contractors, Noelle fosters loyalty through robust support systems, training, and ensuring their focus remains on their craft. Noelle shares challenges, including a difficult partnership breakup, and emphasizes the importance of complementary skills in business relationships. He also discusses plans to expand Iris Tattoo into new markets, choosing locations like Nashville based on gut instincts and market potential. The hosts and Noelle reflect on the entrepreneurial journey, the loneliness it can bring, and the importance of community and support networks like the Business Brain podcast. The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to pursue their dreams in 2025, emphasizing connection and growth. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs’ Podcast #611 for Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 January 1st: Copyright Law Day 00:02:41 Special Guest: Nahuel Hilal from Iris Tattoo Curating the experience 00:05:33 Making a tattoo shop look like…an Apple Store? 00:06:08 The price needs to be more expensive…like 4x. 00:07:18 Artists are my talent…and therefore they’re my internal customers 00:07:59 We are “a Bridge”? 00:08:19 Attracting and retaining talent Stability is the most valuable thing 00:09:29 SPONSOR: Launch, run, and make your business official at LegalZoom.com — Promo code BBSHOW gets 10% off any business formation product. 00:11:17 Sounds like running a band 00:13:42 We treat every customer like it’s their birthday 00:14:59 Minimizing Unhappy Customers The Two Tokens of Customer Service Magic phrases “Don’t worry, it’s only permanent.” “Tattoos are like children…they’re not going to come out the way you thought, and you’re going to love them anyway.” “We own our mistakes.” 00:17:28 Messi’s number is… 01? 00:19:44 Finding the next 00:22:20 Partnership Breakups Partnerships Can Kill You The best partners cover your blindspots 00:26:12 The ideal Business Brain listener 00:28:28 Business Brain 611 Outtro Follow Nahuel Hilal from Iris Tattoo 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 Nuhuel Hilal – Iris Tattoo – Business Brain 611 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.