The Small BizChat

In 2001, Chris Carr launched a start-up in his spare time – a marketing company called Farotech. What started primarily as a web design firm quickly grew into a comprehensive digital marketing agency specializing in helping clients in the healthcare, orthopedics, manufacturing, SaaS, and cybersecurity fields see explosive growth through a proven marketing system. Since early 2020, Chris has become a thought leader in artificial intelligence (AI). Through years of analysis, workshops, and hands-on experience, he’s observed the rise of modern AI and its potential to reshape the business landscape. Recognizing that most businesses are not ready for this massive disruption from AI, Chris offers workshops and lunch-and-learns to equip businesses for the future that’s already here. Find out more at farotech.com. Today, we’re going to talk about AI and branding. My guest, Chris Carr, is at the forefront of these topics. He will share actionable tips that you can start doing now to incorporate AI into your business so you aren’t left behind when everyone else moves forward with that technology. “If you're an individual who's not willing to adopt that technology [AI], there's a chance you will get replaced by somebody who does. ” – Chris Carr This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Building hyper-personalization into your marketing. Why your marketing should start with your branding. The stages of solving a problem. How AI is changing every industry. Targeting your brand to your audience. Standing out in an AI-filled marketplace.Chat priming. Authenticity in branding. Resources Mentioned: Become Your Own Boss: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/ Boss Quiz: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/boss-quiz/ There’s an AI for That: https://theresanaiforthat.com/ SparkToro: https://sparktoro.com/ BuzzSumo: https://buzzsumo.com/ Connect with Chris Carr: Website: https://farotech.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-carr-84b1a02/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/chris_carr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Farotech Podcast: https://farotech.com/podcasts/ LinkedIn: Can your brand survive and thrive in an AI-centric world? Chris Carr of Farotech believes it can, but only with the right strategies in place. Join us on the SmallBizChat Podcast as we explore the role of AI in branding and the key shifts businesses must make to remain relevant. Listen in today! #SmallBizChat #business #AI #branding

As a business and growth strategy consultant, Jimmy Newson has worked with organizations of all sizes, but his specialty is working with small businesses and entrepreneurs. He founded Moving Forward Small Business, a membership-based organization that helps companies grow and achieve their goals through practical and actionable advice. Additionally, Jimmy has strategic partnerships with private, government, and nonprofit organizations, leveraging his extensive network and experience to provide businesses with comprehensive solutions for their needs. Find out more at movingforwardsmallbusiness.com. Today, we will discuss strategy from every angle you can imagine, and I have Jimmy Newson, a business and growth strategist and consultant. He specializes in working with small businesses and entrepreneurs and has great insights into what you can do today to improve your vision and strategy. “If you can start a strategy sooner rather than later, you’re already headed in the right direction, you know what your true north is, and now you're headed there confidently.” – Jimmy Newson This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Why strategy is different, but equally important, for small businesses as it is for big companies. Starting your strategy sooner rather than later. What you need to know when building or updating your strategy. The power of having a vision and bringing your team in to create the vision. Utilizing the data of market analysis. Appropriate resource allocation to fit with your strategy. Leveraging tools to do the heavy lifting. Resources Mentioned: Become Your Own Boss: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/ Boss Quiz: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/boss-quiz/ SEMrush: https://www.semrush.com/ SpyFu: https://www.spyfu.com/ Winmo: https://www.winmo.com/ Cascade: https://www.cascade.app/ Connect with Jimmy Newson: Website: https://www.movingforwardsmallbusiness.com/ Website: https://www.jimmynewson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmynewson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimmylnewson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jimmynewson1 LinkedIn: Strategy isn't just for the corporate giants; it's a game-changer for small businesses too. In the latest episode of SmallBizChat Podcast, I chat with Jimmy Newson about why starting your strategy early is the ticket to confident growth. Get insights on leveraging tools, market analysis, and crafting a vision with your team here! #SmallBizChat #smallbusiness #business #strategy

Today, Melinda talks about something that is not really fun in business, but it's something that we all need to learn how to deal with a little bit better - navigating rejection in business. Rejection is an inevitable part of the business world, particularly in sales. Dealing with rejection effectively is crucial for maintaining motivation, resilience, and long-term success in your business. “The more people you talk to, the more people that are going to say yes.” – Melinda Emerson This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Sales is just a numbers game. Increase your outreach to increase your conversions. Sometimes, a rejection is God’s protection. No is an opportunity for growth and learning. Adapting, refining, and modifying your sales practices. How to increase your likelihood of a “yes.” Refining your value proposition to address your client’s pain points. Leveraging other people’s expertise. Celebrate the small wins. Resources Mentioned: Brand in Demand Live! - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive/ LinkedIn: Anyone who has been in business for any length of time will tell you that rejection is inevitable. Since we'll all hear "no" at some point, let's get better at dealing with it! In the latest SmallBizChat Podcast, I help you shift your mindset around rejection and up your odds of getting a "yes" in the future. If you’re looking to build resilience, don’t miss this episode! #business #smallbusiness #businessadvice #success

David Newman is the best-selling author of Do It! Marking and his latest book, Do It! Selling. He's also the founder of the Do It! MBA mentoring program and host of The Selling Show, a top-rated business podcast with over 300 episodes. David helps professional service sellers land better clients, bigger deals, and higher fees. For more information, head over to DoItMarketing.com/Selling. Miss Romina Brown is the President of Strategic Solutions International, the only female-led, black-owned category management firm on the planet. At SSI, Romina is supported by a global, diverse team of trained analysts, marketing research, and technology consultants with a proven track record of making a tremendous impact. Romina has served in various executive marketing and sales positions for well-known brands, including Eastman Kodak, Sara Lee, and L'Oreal USA. In 2004, she formed SSI with experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments. Romina provides context, insights, and guidance in developing strategies for diverse industries and levels of business. For more information, go over to SSIConsults.com. Kristie Jones is the go-to expert for companies wanting to build, grow, or scale their sales or customer success teams. She started Sales Acceleration Group in 2016 to help owners and founders increase revenue, reduce churn, and be able to scale more quickly. Her 20+ years as a sales leader in the SAS space fuels her passion for helping bootstraped and venture-backed founders. For more information, head over to SalesAccelerationGroup.com. Three of my amazing guests – David Newman, Romina Brown, and Kristie Jones – join me simultaneously for a fun, lighthearted, rapid-fire round of my favorite business questions. We get their opinions on business tools, old-school marketing tips, and great books for aspiring business owners. This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Fun, fast-paced round of questioning.Our guests' favorite podcasts.Their favorite business app.Their favorite old-school marketing tip.Plus a few other questions about great resources for up-and-coming business leaders. Resources Mentioned: Brand in Demand Live! - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive/ BossQuiz: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/boss-quiz/ Podcasts Mentioned: Compete Every DayUnlocking Greatness Podcast with Zenja GlassMy First Million Apps Mentioned: UPC Item DBSlackMeta Workplace Books Mentioned: Linchpin by Seth GodinRelentless by Tim S. GroverThe Power of Vulnerability by Brene BrownDisrupt You! by Jay Samit Connect with David Newman: Website: https://doitmarketing.com/ The Selling Show - https://doitmarketing.com/podcast/ Do It! Selling - https://doitmarketing.com/selling Connect with Romina Brown: Website: https://www.ssiconsults.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rominabrown/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ssiconsults/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/iambossbeauty Connect with Kristie Jones: Website: https://salesaccelerationgroup.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEOGJrgqo50OL-tTXgaaqHg Twitter: https://twitter.com/kristiekjones Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristiejones.sales/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiekjones/ Ever wondered what other business owners are reading? Curious about which apps they can't live without? Then you’ll want to tune into this quick-fire chat with David Newman, Romina Brown, and Kristie Jones. From podcasts to marketing tips, we’re covering it all. Listen in for some great insights and laughs too! #SmallBizChat #podcast #businesspodcast #smallbusiness

Kristie Jones is the go-to expert for companies wanting to build, grow, or scale their sales or customer success teams. She started Sales Acceleration Group in 2016 to help owners and founders increase revenue, reduce churn, and be able to scale more quickly. Her 20+ years as a sales leader in the SAS space fuels her passion for helping bootstraped and venture-backed founders. For more information, head over to SalesAccelerationGroup.com. It is time to talk about sales from a completely different angle - we will talk about how to hire your first sales team. That is critical because hiring the wrong salesperson in your organization can torpedo your organization, but thinking that hiring a salesperson will save your business is also a big mistake. Listen in today to hear from our expert guest about what you need to know when hiring your first sales team. “Sales as a high-rejection sport. You need resilience. You need to have a positive attitude. You need to be able to get off that last sale call and pick up the next phone call and let that roll off your back.” – Kristie Jones This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: When you should bring on your first salesperson. Why the founder should lead sales (at least at first). The questions you should ask yourself when doing sales. Pricing and marketing before sales. Traits to look for in a salesperson. Mistakes people make when hiring salespeople. Cultural add, not cultural fit. Bringing in a sales manager. Resources Mentioned: BossQuiz: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/boss-quiz/ Brand in Demand LIVE! - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive Connect with Kristie Jones: Website: https://salesaccelerationgroup.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEOGJrgqo50OL-tTXgaaqHg Twitter: https://twitter.com/kristiekjones Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristiejones.sales/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristiekjones/ LinkedIn: Thinking about hiring your first sales team? It's a big step, and getting it right is crucial. Join me with Kristie Jones, the founder of Sales Acceleration Group, as we discuss everything from the traits to look for in a salesperson to common mistakes to avoid. Tune in to this week’s SmallBizChat Podcast and learn exactly what you need to know to hire a brilliant sales team! #SmallBizChat #smallbusiness #sales #salesteam

Miss Romina Brown is the President of Strategic Solutions International and she is the only female-led, black-owned category management firm on the planet. At SSI Romina is supported by a global, diverse team of trained analysts, marketing, research, and technology consultants with a proven track record of making tremendous impact. Romina has served in various executive marketing and sales positions for well-known brands including Eastman Kodak, Sara Lee, and L'Oreal USA. In 2004. She formed SSI with experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments. Romina provides context, insights, and guidance in the development of strategies for diverse industries and levels of business. For more information, go over to SSIConsults.com. Today, it's time to have our discussion about how to use data to boost your brand. With a background in marketing and a strength in analytic numbers, Romina Brown is making waves in multiple industries on using data to boost your brand and, she is here to share some of that information with you today. Listen in for a great conversation. “It is imperative upon brand owners to understand how they're performing not only versus their own performance but versus their competitive set. It is paramount that brands outline what brands and products are in their tight competitive set, and that they monitor the sales and moods of those brands on a consistent basis.” – Romina Brown This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Data every brand should know and have access to.Why your sales goal is one of your most important numbers. Category growth management. Speaking with your audience and connecting with them regularly. Monitoring competitors and adjusting accordingly. Investing in your business in order to scale. Scared money doesn’t make money. Resources Mentioned: Brand in Demand LIVE! - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive Boss Quiz - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/boss-quiz/ Connect with Romina Brown: Website: https://www.ssiconsults.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rominabrown/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ssiconsults/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/iambossbeauty

David Newman is the best-selling author of Do It! Marking and his latest book, Do It! Selling. He's also the founder of the Do It! MBA mentoring program and host of The Selling Show, a top rated business podcast with over 300 episodes. David helps professional service sellers land better clients, bigger deals, and higher fees. For more information head over to DoItMarketing.com/Selling. If you're looking for ways to boost your sales, you're in the right place! We have suggestions for fixing your mindset about sales if you're one of these people that just hate sales. Here on the SmallBiz Chat Podcast, we talk about how to start and grow a successful small business. Today, my guest, David Newman, has amazing insight to share and you will get sage advice from multiple angles. Listen in for some exciting takeaways! “We always work on three things at the same time: mindset, skillset, and toolset - and getting people in the action because action leads to traction, traction leads momentum, momentum leads to results.” – David Newman This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: How David created the Do It! Marketing MBA.The biggest challenges people have with sales. Changing the mindset from sales being a necessary evil. Doing what you have to do to get to do what you want to do. Replacing sales with invitations to conversations. Changing behavior through mindset. Serving before selling. Helping before pitching. Doubling down on the marketing and networking opportunities that you find enjoyable. Ask for the referral as soon as the deal is sealed. Resources Mentioned: Brand in Demand LIVE! - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive Boss Quiz - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/boss-quiz/ Connect with David Newman: Website: https://doitmarketing.com/ The Selling Show - https://doitmarketing.com/podcast/ Do It! Selling - https://doitmarketing.com/selling

In today’s special solo episode, Melinda discusses the importance of being proactive in self-development to improve and grow your business. By developing yourself, you will be able to grow in confidence, in skill, open bigger doors, and so many more things. Listen in for some great truths and amazing tips. “You have to grow yourself to grow your business. You need to make a commitment to grow yourself.” – Melinda Emerson This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Why it is a necessity to invest in yourself. The reasons investing in yourself will yield you invaluable returns. Personal investment opens doors. Creating bigger goals with other people’s perspectives. Keeping your ego in check as you grow in confidence and skill. Paying attention to what is most important. Taking care of your basic needs to keep your business alive. Resources Mentioned: Brand in Demand Live! - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive/

Nick Ron is the founder and CEO of House Buyers of America. He is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience as a real estate investor. He founded House Buyers of America in 2001, selling homes through his hybrid real estate model that balances technology with human on-the-ground expertise. Nick took the House Buyers of America from $0 to $50 million within his first three years of business operation. Nick is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner and has been featured in USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and the US News role report to name a few. For more information go to HouseBuyersofAmerica.com. Carole is the author of Buyer First: Grow Your Business with Collaborative Selling. Carole is changing the way the entire sales industry sees itself and how buyers see it too. She's been called the sales therapist by Harvard Business School where she coaches sales for their entrepreneurial MBA program. She's also the president of AA-ISP Boston, and has been named a top sales influencer by LinkedIn and Sales Hacker, and voted a top sales coach by ambition with the heart of a teacher in the spirit of a coach, she is ready to share how you can unlock sales success that you never thought possible. For more information, go to CaroleMahoney.com. Chanel Christoff Davis is a tax expert with over 20 years of experience in business operations. Chanel is the founding partner and CEO of Davis Davis and Harmon LLC, and award winning sales tax award winning firm of sales tax experts known as DDH. Established in 2001, DDH is the largest woman and minority owned sales tax advisory practice in the nation. DDH services corporations by delivering innovative tax solutions that return money to their clients bottom line. Chanel has so much experience in managing client relations and the day to day management decisions of her firm. For more information, go to DDHTax.com. Three of my amazing guests – Nick Ron, Carole Mahoney, and Chanel Christoff Davis – join me simultaneously for a fun, lighthearted, rapid-fire round of my favorite business questions. We get their opinions on a few business tools, some old-school marketing tips, and some great books for aspiring business owners. This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Fun, fast-paced round of questioning.Our guests' favorite podcasts.Their favorite business app.Their favorite old-school marketing tip.Plus a few other questions about great resources for up-and-coming business leaders. Resources Mentioned: Brand in Demand Live! - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive/ BossQuiz: https://bossquiz.com/ Podcasts Mentioned: EOS PodcastDare to Lead with Brene BrownJill On MoneyFollow the Leader Podcast Apps Mentioned: CanvaAmerican AirlinesAsana Books Mentioned: Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino WickmanGood to Great by James CollinsThe Science of Selling by David HoffeldE-Myth Revisited by Michael E. GerberDisrupt You! by Jay Samit Connect with Nick Ron: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-ron-875b4716/ Website: https://www.housebuyersofamerica.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeBuyersUS Connect with Carole Mahoney: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolemahoney Website: https://carolemahoney.com/ Book: https://carolemahoney.com/books/buyerfirstbook/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/icarolemahoney YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCluXteZ_fsO-2Nr_T6VJEEg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolemahoney/ Connect with Chanel Christoff Davis: Website: https://ddhtax.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanelchristoffdavis/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/salestaxhelp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalesTaxHelp/ Podcast: https://followtheleaderpod.carrd.co/

Chanel Christoff Davis is a tax expert with over 20 years of experience in business operations. Chanel is the founding partner and CEO of Davis Davis and Harmon LLC, and award winning sales tax award winning firm of sales tax experts known as DDH. Established in 2001, DDH is the largest woman and minority owned sales tax advisory practice in the nation. DDH services corporations by delivering innovative tax solutions that return money to their clients bottom line. Chanel has so much experience in managing client relations and the day to day management decisions of her firm. For more information, go to DDHTax.com. It’s all about the money! Well, the states money that is. Today’s guest, Chanel Christoff Davis, is going to be talking to us about what we need to know about sales taxes. This isn't sexy, but it is absolutely necessary because more and more small businesses are getting in trouble because they don't understand what their obligation is to this state. “You have to be aware of what you're doing and where you're doing it. Ignorance is not a defense. If you ever get caught by a state taxing authority, they don't care that you didn't know.” – Chanel Christoff Davis This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Why sales tax in the US is complicated. It’s not about where you’re located, its about benefit location. The reason states take sales tax so seriously. Products and services that are taxable. Sales, income, and use tax (and who to work with to make sure your business is paying the right taxes). Basics to keep in mind for sales tax.Be aware of the state tax rules in any state you do business in (even if you’ve never been there). Resources Mentioned: Brand in Demand Live! - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive/ Connect with Chanel Christoff Davis: Website: https://ddhtax.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanelchristoffdavis/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/salestaxhelp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalesTaxHelp/ Podcast: https://followtheleaderpod.carrd.co/

Carole is the author of Buyer First: Grow Your Business with Collaborative Selling. Carole is changing the way the entire sales industry sees itself and how buyers see it too. She's been called the sales therapist by Harvard Business School where she coaches sales for their entrepreneurial MBA program. She's also the president of AA-ISP Boston, and has been named a top sales influencer by LinkedIn and Sales Hacker, and voted a top sales coach by ambition with the heart of a teacher in the spirit of a coach, she is ready to share how you can unlock sales success that you never thought possible. For more information, go to CaroleMahoney.com. If sales has ever felt like a dirty word, take a listen to today’s episode. My guest today is Carole Mahoney, and she talks to us all about how to change the mindset, both yours and your buyers, around selling and how, by working together, we will all get more out of the sales process. “When we collaborate with our buyers in our conversations, we're adding more value to the conversations, and they're seeing more value in the solutions as a result.” – Carole Mahoney This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: The behaviors we have lead to the results we get. Regaining the human aspect of sales. What buyers value. The mindsets and behaviors of sales. Common misconceptions about sales. Stop making it about you. Getting over your misconceptions about sales. Resources Mentioned: Brand in Demand Live! - https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive/ Connect with Carole Mahoney: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolemahoney Website: https://carolemahoney.com/ Book: https://carolemahoney.com/books/buyerfirstbook/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/icarolemahoney YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCluXteZ_fsO-2Nr_T6VJEEg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolemahoney/

Nick Ron is the founder and CEO of House Buyers of America. He is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience as a real estate investor. He founded House Buyers of America in 2001, selling homes through his hybrid real estate model that balances technology with human on-the-ground expertise. Nick took the House Buyers of America from $0 to $50 million within his first three years of business operation. Nick is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner and has been featured in USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and the US News role report, to name a few. For more information, go to HouseBuyersofAmerica.com. If our current economy is stressing you out, you’re in the right place. Today’s guest, Nick Ron, has suggestions for weathering the storm and what we need to be thinking about going forward. Having been in the real estate industry since 2001, Nick has gone through some tough times in his business and shares great information on keeping your team strong and connected, regardless of where your business is at. “When your team sees the whole industry is struggling, and you’re communicating with them frequently what you’re doing to get through these difficult times and what you need from them to help you get through it, that makes things a lot easier.” – Nick Ron This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Resources Mentioned: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive/ Connect with Nick Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-ron-875b4716/https://www.housebuyersofamerica.com/https://twitter.com/HomeBuyersUS LinkedIn: Is the current economy stressing you out? Then the latest SmallBizChat Podcast is for you! My guest Nick Ron is the founder and CEO of House Buyers of America. He’s gone through tough times in his business, so he’s sharing suggestions on weathering the storm and keeping your team strong and connected. Don’t be caught off guard…listen in today and prepare your small business for whatever may come! #SmallBizChat #business #podcast #economy

In today’s episode, I want to encourage all of us to think about ways to enhance our overall happiness, productivity, and ability to handle stress. Because, as business owners, there’s a lot of stress out here for us. There are a lot of things that can really knock you off your square. And so you want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself, you’re taking care of your mental acuity and acquiring knowledge, skills, and abilities, and you are building a network for yourself so you can hear other people’s perspectives and you’re not the only voice that you’re considering. “Sometimes we can get so caught up and be so busy in our businesses that we don’t take care of our basic needs. Your business isn’t worth it; if something happens to you, you won’t even have a business.” – Melinda Emerson This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: ● Why investing in yourself is more than just education. ● Growing yourself to grow your business. ● Empowering yourself to achieve your goals. ● Increasing your confidence and belief in yourself. ● Sparking your own business innovation. ● Putting yourself in target-rich environments and staying on top of industry trends. ● Investing in hobbies and going outside at least once a day. Resources Mentioned: ● Brand in Demand Live: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/brandindemandlive/ LinkedIn: When was the last time you invested in yourself? My latest SmallBizChat Podcast discusses the importance of self-investment for better business outcomes. You’re the engine driving your business…don’t forget to refuel! #SmallBizChat #podcast #businesspodcast #smallbusiness

With over 20 years of experience, Michele Phillips knows the excitement and challenges of leading a team and business, both large and small. Michele brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to help her clients succeed in their businesses. In an industry where 80% of businesses fail, Michele not only grew but successfully sold and exited her company after eight years. She scaled her business to seven figures with 14-17% profit year-over-year. Beyond her experience as an entrepreneur, Michele also excelled in sales and project management in the corporate banking world. Find out more about Michele at cultivateadvisors.com. Dee Bowden is the founder of BCS Solutions, and author of the book Collect the Cash. She works with small businesses who want to solve their cashflow problem. Her mission is to keep businesses in business. After collecting $6 million in 60 days while working for a small IT company, she realized small businesses had fallen prey to revenue loss because they don't collect outstanding debt. She's been featured in Forbes, Enterprise, and Thriving Global Magazine. One of the strategies she uses is reciting affirmations. For more information, find her at CollectTheCash.biz. Barry Banther is a family business expert. He is a speaker and a gentleman, and he has been helping family businesses work together and live together in harmony for over three decades. He's been a lead consultant on over 400 engagements to help improve small business performance. From strategy to planning to secession and exit strategies, Barry's clients depend on him. A client and president of a 120-year-old family business described Barry this way, "Barry is a leader of leaders. His wisdom, encouragement, and knowledge have helped us grow personally and professionally for the past ten years." If you want more information about Barry Banther, go to BarryBanter.com. Three amazing guests – Michele Phillips, Dee Bowden, and Barry Banther – join me simultaneously for a fun, lighthearted, rapid-fire round of my favorite business questions. We get their opinions on some business tools, old-school marketing tips, and great books for aspiring business owners. This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Fun, fast-paced round of questioning.Our guests' favorite podcasts.Their favorite business app.Their favorite old-school marketing tip.Plus a few other questions about great resources for up-and-coming business leaders. Resources Mentioned: Use SBL50 to get 50% off all online courses at: http://smallbizladyuniversity.com/ Podcasts Mentioned: Classical BreakdownMel Robbins PodcastPod Save America Apps Mentioned: Cash AppPaypalSlack Books Mentioned: In Search of Excellence by Tom Peters and Robert H. Waterman, Jr.Never Lose a Customer Again by Joey ColemanThink and Go Rich by Napoleon HillDisrupt You! by Jay Samit Connect with Michele Phillips: Website: https://cultivateadvisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelephillips-bizadvisor/ Connect with Dee Bowden: Website: https://collectthecash.biz/ Book: https://collectthecash.biz/book/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dee-bowden-5b379b4/ Connect with Barry Banther: Website: https://barrybanther.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrybanther/ Book: http://aleadersgift.com/

Barry Banther is a family business expert. He is a speaker and a gentleman, and he has been helping family businesses work together and live together in harmony for over three decades. He's been a lead consultant on over 400 engagements to help improve small business performance. From strategy to planning to secession and exit strategies, Barry's clients depend on him. A client and president of a 120-year-old family business described Barry this way, "Barry is a leader of leaders. His wisdom, encouragement, and knowledge have helped us grow personally and professionally for the past ten years." If you want more information about Barry Banther, go to BarryBanther.com. Today I talk to Barry Banther about succession planning for your family-owned business and how to exit gracefully with the proper plans in place. He also shares with us the top problems that are unique to family businesses, as well as the skills that are needed to lead a successful family-owned business. "In a family-owned business, it's imperative that you do the exit planning. It's necessary to make sure you're ready for any contentions. It takes about five years to put not only the plan in place but also to prepare all the people that are involved to prepare those people." – Barry Banther This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Helping families thrive in business and live in harmony. Separating the business and the family to make sure both succeed. Success planning, not succession planning. Problems that family businesses have. Ways to exit a family business. Having plans in place for disagreements and clear communication channels. The five skills needed for leading a successful family business. Resources Mentioned: Use SBL50 to get 50% off all online courses at: http://smallbizladyuniversity.com/ Connect with Barry Banther: Website: https://barrybanther.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwglzsDbdcwsc6AJ2WFDM4w LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrybanther/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarryBanther Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrybanther Book: http://aleadersgift.com/

Dee Bowden is the founder of BCS Solutions, and author of the book Collect the Cash. She works with small businesses who want to solve their cashflow problem. Her mission is to keep businesses in business. After collecting $6 million in 60 days while working for a small IT company, she realized small businesses had fallen prey to revenue loss because they don't collect outstanding debt. She's been featured in Forbes, Enterprise, and Thriving Global Magazine. One of the strategies she uses is reciting affirmations. For more information, find her at CollectTheCash.biz. I don't know what small business that hasn't, at some point, experienced some cash flow challenges. If that is familiar to you, you are in the right place because today's guest, Dee Bowden, will tell us how to collect the cash. "There needs to be a paradigm shift - as confident as you are to ask for the sale, you have to be just as confident to ask for the cash." – Dee Bowden This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Sales and AR go together. Tracking payments to collect cash and stay in business. Why it's hard to collect the money owed. Tracking the payments to measure what's coming in. The fortune is in the follow-up. Building relationships to get more timely payments. Why you need affirmations in your AR collections. Make it easier for your clients to pay you. Resources Mentioned: Use SBL50 to get 50% off all online courses at: http://smallbizladyuniversity.com/ Connect with Dee Bowden: Website: https://collectthecash.biz/ Book: https://collectthecash.biz/book/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Collectthecash.biz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dee-bowden-5b379b4/

With over 20 years of experience, Michele Phillips knows the excitement and challenges of leading a team and business, both large and small. Michele brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to help her clients succeed in their businesses. In an industry where 80% of businesses fail, Michele not only grew but successfully sold and exited her company after eight years. She scaled her business to seven figures with 14-17% profit year-over-year. Beyond her experience as an entrepreneur, Michele also excelled in sales and project management in the corporate banking world. Find out more about Michele at cultivateadvisors.com. Today I talk with my own business coach, Michele Phillips, about why every small business owner needs a coach. With over two decades of experience, Michele understands small business owners, their concerns, and how to help them. Today she shares tools and more information about working with a coach. "At a minimum, I think you'll need six to nine months. And then, as your business grows, your needs change. If you've picked an advisor that can grow with you, then that relationship could continue for 3, 5, or 10 years." – Michele Phillips This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Understanding the intangibles of your business. Utilizing the financials to grow your business. Running your money, not running from your money. Having a plan in place for your business and prioritizing that plan. Coaches can assist with tools and with accountability. Reasons why entrepreneurs struggle with coaching. What to look for when hiring a business coach. Resources Mentioned: Use SBL50 to get 50% off all online courses at: http://smallbizladyuniversity.com/ Connect with Michele Phillips: Website: https://cultivateadvisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelephillips-bizadvisor/

M. Shannon Hernandez is ALL ABOUT THAT JOY in life and biz. She is specifically known around the globe for The Content Personality® Wheel and is the Founder of Joyful Business Revolution™, a business growth strategy and consultancy company that works with brick-and-mortar or online service-based business owners. Shannon and her team specialize in joyful business growth solutions and organic marketing that help their clients grow aligned audiences and deepen community relationships, resulting in more joy, revenue, and time off. For more information, go to JoyfulBusinessRevolution.com. Curtis May is the host of the Practical Wealth Show Podcast and the creator and owner of Practical Wealth Advisors. Curtis has been helping individuals plan what to do with their money for over 35 years. He is passionate about helping his clients save money and live their best life right now. His primary focus is financial planning for individuals and families to become financially free by following the principles of wealth creation that have endured for centuries worldwide. For more information, head over to www.practicalwealthsolutions.net. Phil Gerbyshak is a sales speaker, sales executive, sales expert, sales leader mentor, sales podcaster, and sales coach, and he's been at it for a long time. He's written six books and over 3000 articles and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Daily Globe and Mail, Financial Times, Investor's Business Daily, Inc., and many other publications. People recognize him for his personal brand of connection and simplicity, delivered with a smile and some hard-earned swagger. Currently, he is the chief revenue officer at Digital Selling Strategies, where he and his team work with small businesses to leverage modern selling to increase profitability, productivity, and performance. To learn more, go to PhilGerby.com. Three amazing guests – M. Shannon Hernandez, Curtis May, and Phil Gerbyshak – join me simultaneously for a fun, lighthearted, rapid-fire round of my favorite business questions. This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Our guests' favorite podcasts.Their favorite business app.Their favorite old-school marketing tip.Plus a few other questions about great resources for up-and-coming business leaders. Resources Mentioned: BossQuiz: https://bossquiz.com/ SmallBizLady University: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/ Podcasts Mentioned: Dan Kennedy's Magnetic Marketing PodcastRethink the Way You Sell with Jeff Bajorek Apps Mentioned: HurdlrOtter.aiAsana Books Mentioned: Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months by Melinda EmersonEssentialism by Greg McKeownSmart Calling by Art SobczakThe E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. GerberDisrupt You! by Jay Samit Connect with M. Shannon Hernandez: Website: https://joyfulbusinessrevolution.com/ Podcast: https://joyfulbusinessrevolution.com/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mshannonhernandez Connect with Curtis May: Website: https://www.practicalwealthsolutions.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtismay/ Podcast: https://www.podpage.com/the-practical-wealth-show/ Connect with Phil Gerbyshak: Website: https://philgerby.com/ Podcast: https://philgerby.com/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philgerb/

Phil Gerbyshak is a sales speaker, sales executive, sales expert, sales leader mentor, sales podcaster, and sales coach, and he’s been at it for a long time. He’s written six books and over 3000 articles and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Daily Globe and Mail, Financial Times, Investor’s Business Daily, Inc., and many other publications. People recognize him for his personal brand of connection and simplicity, delivered with a smile and some hard-earned swagger. Currently, he is the chief revenue officer at Digital Selling Strategies, where he and his team work with small businesses to leverage modern selling to increase profitability, productivity, and performance. To learn more, go to PhilGerby.com. Today, we welcome back Phil Gerbyshak to talk more about making meaningful connections online and how we can better utilize our high-tech world to do high-touch selling. Phil shares with us why happy employees give better service, how to bring more of you to your sales process, and how to connect with more people deeply and meaningfully. “Start serving your employees, have your employees serve each other, and then, ultimately, they serve your customers.” – Phil Gerbyshak This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: What sales enablement is and how it can help you. Utilizing technology in your sales process.High-touch selling in a high-tech world. Touching more people in a deep, meaningful way. Keep enough pipeline to cover what you need and a bit more; it doesn’t need to be extreme.Service over sales and building a culture of service. Happy employees give better service. Be more you, be more frequent. Resources Mentioned: BossQuiz: https://bossquiz.com/ SmallBizLady University: https://smallbizladyuniversity.com/ Lavender: https://www.lavender.ai/ Restream: https://restream.io/ Zoom: https://zoom.us/ Nimble: https://www.nimble.com/ ChatGPT: https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt Connect with Phil Gerbyshak: Website: https://philgerby.com/ Podcast: https://philgerby.com/podcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SalesLeadershipShow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philgerb/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philgerb/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/philgerb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philgerbyshak/

Curtis May is the host of the Practical Wealth Show Podcast and the creator and owner of Practical Wealth Advisors. Curtis has been helping individuals plan what to do with their money for over 35 years. He is passionate about helping his clients save money and live their best life right now. His primary focus is financial planning for individuals and families to become financially free by following the principles of wealth creation that have endured for centuries worldwide. For more information, head over to www.practicalwealthsolutions.net. In today's episode, we will talk with a financial expert who will get straight about what we need to do as small business owners with our money. With over 35 years of experience, Curtis May busts many of the myths people believe about wealth management and gives practical tips to succeed in your small business. "Most people think too short term, and you need to capitalize. If you have money, which means you got to save it, opportunities will find you; you don't have to go looking for it. Don't be afraid to capitalize - save money - so you can prepare for emergencies and opportunities." – Curtis May This week on SmallBizChat Podcast: Solver bigger problems to get a bigger check. Why traditional financial advice doesn't work for small businesses. Your business is your number one asset. Looking forward and forecasting in your business, not behind you. Separating your personal finances from your business finances. Speculation versus investment. Becoming your own banker. The three rules of investing. Resources Mentioned: BossQuiz: https://bossquiz.com/ Connect with Curtis May: Website: https://www.practicalwealthsolutions.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtismay/ Podcast: https://www.podpage.com/the-practical-wealth-show/