Seriously Connected

Marcella Hammer introduces the Pro-Mixer Series by Palette Community, where entrepreneurs share their stories of overcoming challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration among women entrepreneurs, encouraging listeners to tune in for more inspiring stories. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marcella Hammer introduces the Pro-Mixer Series by Palette Community, where entrepreneurs share their stories of overcoming challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration among women entrepreneurs, encouraging listeners to tune in for more inspiring stories. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi Rotter and Caitlin Cuchiella discuss their journeys as women in business, focusing on their transitions into real estate, the challenges of balancing motherhood with career aspirations, and the importance of empowerment and collaboration in their fields. They discuss the importance of setting priorities, self-care routines, and surrounding oneself with positive influences. They emphasize the significance of personal choices and the impact of relationships in both personal and professional growth. The discussion also touches on the value of collaboration over competition and the excitement of dreaming big and setting ambitious goals for the future. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, realtors Heidi Rotter and Cait Cucchiella discuss their experiences in the real estate industry, highlighting the importance of personal growth through adversity, the significance of timing and relationships, and the power of belief and resilience. They share insights on overcoming challenges, the value of mentorship, and the need for action in achieving success. The discussion also touches on the role of women in business and the importance of creating a supportive work environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, takeover Host Heidi Knoblauch and guest, Small Packages founder Riham LaRussa, discuss the importance of focusing on financial growth for women, rather than just emotional support. They explore the challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs, the resources available for business growth, and the significance of community and networking. The discussion also touches on the balance between family life and entrepreneurship, the need for supportive ecosystems, and the role of humor in easing business conversations. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of overcoming intimidation and rejection in the entrepreneurial space. Links Mentioned: Small Packages: https://smallpackages.co/ Connect with Heidi: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-knoblauch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidi_knoblauch/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Takeover Host Heidi Knoblauch interviews Techstar and PopPD Founder Alissa McDonald about the importance of pivots in business. She discusses her transition from teaching to founding PopPD, a platform aimed at improving professional development for teachers. Alissa reflects on the challenges faced in the startup ecosystem, the role of Techstars in her journey, and her new venture, Good Hype, a marketing agency. The discussion highlights the need for ongoing support in education and the search for a technical co-founder in the capital region. Terms: MVP: Minimum Value Proposition Links Mentioned: PopPD: https://www.poppd.co/ Good Hype: https://www.goodhype.co/ Techstars: https://www.techstars.com/ EVENT: Startup Tech Valley: https://www.startuptechvalley.org/ Connect with Heidi: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-knoblauch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidi_knoblauch/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jane Chen, CEO and founder of Letterly, joins Heidi to discuss her journey from a finance career to creating an AI-powered writing coach aimed at addressing the literacy crisis. She shares insights on social entrepreneurship, the importance of having a clear business model, and the value of location and community resources in building a startup. Jane emphasizes the significance of relationships and mentorship in her entrepreneurial journey and offers practical advice for aspiring founders. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you second-guessing your pricing strategy? Do you feel like charging what you’re worth might scare clients away? This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to confidently tackle the tricky subject of pricing! Join hosts Heidi Knoblauch and Jeff Buell as they take calls from listeners to discuss the art of price negotiation, understanding opportunity cost, and building meaningful connections that grow your network and your business. Packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and a healthy dose of humor, this episode will equip you to set your prices unapologetically—and explain them with conviction. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, you’ll learn how to turn pricing conversations into opportunities for growth. Tune in, take notes, and start charging what you're worth! Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi and Jeff take calls from SUNY Albany students this week, exploring social entrepreneurship, various themes surrounding personal growth, the importance of understanding experiences, and the journey of self-discovery. The callers share their experiences and insights as young entrepreneurs launching business ventures and what it takes to facilitate a safe environment to take risks and promote social missions through their endeavors. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Jeff, and Kevin delve into the complexities of economic development, particularly focusing on the roles of the IDA and LDC, the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, and the importance of risk-taking and incentives in development projects. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating the entrepreneurial ecosystem, accessing capital, and the significance of partnerships in achieving business success. They also discuss the barriers women face in securing funding and the need for effective storytelling to overcome these challenges. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges women face in accessing capital and the banking system, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and mentorship. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi, Jeff, and Jahkeen discuss the challenges and dynamics of entrepreneurship within a region lacking a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. They explore the concept of alliances among entrepreneurs, the impact of iconic figures on public perception, and the importance of socializing business ideas. The discussion also delves into the realities of economic development in Albany, highlighting the barriers to success and the need for a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi and Jeff explore creating something from nothing, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, core values, and personal experiences in entrepreneurship. They discuss the significance of building alliances, the challenges of perseverance, and the transformative idea of ‘burning the boats’ to embrace new opportunities. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the interconnectedness of values, relationships, and entrepreneurial success. They reflect on breaking free from conventional career paths and the need for an entrepreneurial infrastructure that supports innovation. Personal stories of creating something from nothing highlight community significance and individual journeys' impact on local economies. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve and Christine delve into the unsolved murder of Kathy Kolodziej, exploring the intricacies of investigative journalism and the emotional weight of covering cold cases. They discuss the impact of their work on families and communities, the challenges of seeking justice, and the haunting correspondence with a serial killer. The conversation highlights the importance of perspective and kindness in the face of tragedy. In honor of Investigator and former Schoharie County Sheriff Anthony “Tony” Desmond: https://www.dailygazette.com/the_recorder/news/schoharie-sheriff-desmond/article_41e9f4de-94a3-11ef-aa66-9fb3ad826cab.html Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christine O’Donnell discusses her journey into podcasting, focusing on true crime and mental health. She explores her family’s dynamics, her father’s career in corrections, and the challenges of parenting. The dialogue also delves into leadership lessons learned from various roles, the importance of self-employment, and reflections on legacy and family responsibilities. In this conversation, Christine and her father reflect on the themes of loss, grief, and the ways in which they cope with the memories of loved ones who have passed. They discuss the impact of these experiences on their family dynamics, the therapeutic aspects of remembering, and the importance of finding joy amidst sorrow. The conversation also touches on personal growth, new beginnings, and the lessons learned from navigating life’s challenges together. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Kuzj, a three-time Emmy award-winning journalist, shares insights into his career, the importance of storytelling in journalism, and the challenges of balancing family life with professional aspirations. He discusses the unique experiences of women in business and the significance of vulnerability in sharing personal stories. The dialogue also touches on the sacrifices made in pursuit of dreams, the dynamics of working as a couple, and memorable moments from the newsroom. Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslyconnectedpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bright Sighted's Christine O'Donnell and Palette's Marcella Hammer discuss the struggle to maintain clear boundaries between business and friendship. Together discuss imposter syndrome, having difficult conversations and the importance of respect. If you'd like to takeover an episode of Seriously Connected; email us at info@brightsighted.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine Hover is BACK? In this episode, she joins long-time producer of the show Christine O'Donnell, founder of Bright Sighted Podcasting, to announce big changes. October's Woman In Business TAKING OVER the show: Christine O'Donnell of Bright Sighted Podcasting. This Week's Hot Take: Dame Maggie Smith is irreplaceable. Serious Business Lesson: If you have trouble with boundaries: outsource them! Saratoga Lifestyle Segment: (brought to you by Saratoga Living After Hours): Are Running Clubs the new Dating App? Click to read. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not being born into a life of privilege DOES have its perks. Noa and Bright Sighted Podcasting Founder Christine O'Donnell explain how growing up in homes where money was tight actually inspired and motivated them. Christine discussed why she believes failure is so important to growing as a business and as a person. And learn what Noa says is our most important resource of all. Learn more about GoodBread, a small-business lending startup making character-based loans, coming soon: https://goodbread.net/ ⇩ Find Catherine ⇩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinehover/ Palette Co-Work Community: https://www.instagram.com/thepalettecommunity/ Paint and Sip: https://www.instagram.com/saratogapaintandsip/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Heidi and Noa discuss access to capital for small business owners. They explore the challenges and misconceptions surrounding access to capital and the different types of capital providers. Heidi shares her experiences as a lender and a business owner, highlighting the importance of character and behavior in the lending process. They also discuss the role of pitch competitions and the need for alternative lending solutions. Noa introduces GoodBread, a small business lending company, and discusses their approach to lending and their goal of providing fair rates and building trust with borrowers. They also touch on the future vision for GoodBread and the importance of resource acquisition for business growth. Learn more about GoodBread, a small-business lending startup making character-based loans, coming soon: https://goodbread.net/ Saratoga Book Festival Presents Gossip Girl Brunch with Cecily Von Ziegesar: https://secure.givelively.org/event/friends-of-the-saratoga-springs-public-library-inc/gossip-girl-brunch-with-cecily-von-ziegesar?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email Noa's Spreadsheet: https://brightsighted.ck.page/b680484280 ⇩ Find Catherine ⇩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinehover/ Palette Co-Work Community: https://www.instagram.com/thepalettecommunity/ Paint and Sip: https://www.instagram.com/saratogapaintandsip/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join guest host Noa Simons and her conversation partner, Christina Farinacci-Roberts, founder of Head Heart Hands Consulting, to talk about starting their businesses, opportunities for growth, and how to know when it's time to take outside funding. Learn more about GoodBread, a small-business lending startup making character-based loans, coming soon: https://goodbread.net/ ⇩ Find Catherine ⇩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinehover/ Palette Co-Work Community: https://www.instagram.com/thepalettecommunity/ Paint and Sip: https://www.instagram.com/saratogapaintandsip/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices