Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! When growing your B2B operations, having an effective sales process in place is key. It serves as a guide for you and your clients - from the initial interest stage until you finally close the deal. But in B2B operations your sales funnel is more complex. There are more decision-makers, longer sales cycles, and more barriers to sales such as company accreditation or procurement checklists and so on. If you don't have an effective sales process in place,...
Mar 29, 2024•40 min•Ep. 71
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! In tough times, many businesses feel the urge to cut back on marketing spending. But what's the potential downside? Your brand might start to fade away, missing chances to connect with customers and falling behind the competition. Marketing isn't just about letting the world know about your business. It's also a powerful tool to control your business. It directly affects your cash flow and drives your bottom line. So, how do you make sure your marketing...
Mar 22, 2024•36 min•Ep. 70
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! If you have a customer-centric business, it means your customers are at the heart of everything you do. And this is a good thing because happy customers equals a thriving business. But sadly, many small businesses struggle to make this happen beyond their team members on the front lines. And this is a problem since customer satisfaction is crucial to your success. So what do you need to do to make your business truly customer-centric? What exactly does ...
Mar 08, 2024•41 min•Ep. 69
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Ever found yourself drowning in the tedium and mundane tasks of running a business, wondering if there's a way to escape and get your life back? What if we told you that, "Yes! there is a way!" And that it's absolutely possible to lead a fulfilled life while working fewer hours, whether you're managing one successful business or multiple ventures. Does it sound too good to be true? It's not! In this episode, our guest Jeff Russell shares his journey of ...
Feb 23, 2024•50 min•Ep. 68
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Handling HR investigations can be a potential minefield for any business, especially those that are smaller but currently growing. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when faced with employee complaints, wrongful termination claims, or accusations of workplace bullying and harassment. Yet these investigations matter because they can make or break your business. If resolved successfully, they'll protect your business and your employees. If you ignore or mis...
Feb 16, 2024•48 min•Ep. 67
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Have you ever had that nagging feeling that you don't measure up? Do you live in constant fear that your success is just a fluke? Are you worried you'll be unmasked as someone without a clue what they're doing? It's the relentless struggle known as Imposter Syndrome, and it's something that even the most successful entrepreneurs suffer from. Imposter Syndrome doesn't discriminate. It haunts people in their personal and professional lives, sabotaging con...
Dec 01, 2023•33 min•Ep. 66
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! While HubSpot has many features, it can also seem overwhelming. With so much going on, it’s hard to know where to start or how to make the most of it. And if you're not careful, you can easily get bogged down in all the (helpful) bells and whistles and lose sight of your overall goals. So, what exactly is HubSpot? Why do businesses love it? What makes it different from other CRM platforms? And how do you go about implementing it into your business? In t...
Nov 24, 2023•41 min•Ep. 65
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! The art of naming may seem secondary to finances and operations, but it's incredibly important because your name can make or break your brand. So how do you choose the right name? What are the methods or surefire hacks to create one that clicks? How do you craft a name that leaves a lasting impression and attracts customers? What's the secret to unlocking naming success? And how do you ensure that this process becomes the foundation for your long-term s...
Nov 17, 2023•42 min•Ep. 64
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Sales can get complicated, especially for smaller or rapidly growing companies. Your sales process might seem like a maze, and disorganized data only makes it worse. Losing potential customers is frustrating and puts pressure on meeting targets. So how do you build or streamline your sales process? Where do you find the right sales talent? And most importantly, how can you ensure this process becomes the foundation for your long-term success? In this ep...
Nov 10, 2023•39 min•Ep. 63
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Intellectual property is a vital business asset that needs protection. It includes all your ideas, creations, products/services that drive growth. If you don't protect your intellectual property (IP), you risk competitors stealing or copying what you do, which could lead to lost revenue. The digital age has further complicated matters. It is now very easy to accidentally copy someone else's work, thanks to the rise of AI and automation that continue to ...
Nov 03, 2023•40 min•Ep. 62
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Every business faces challenges as it grows. And to manage these challenges, more and more owners are embracing EOS – the Entrepreneurial Operating System. EOS isn't your usual business guide; it's a complete system that aligns everyone in the company. This alignment is crucial because businesses with a united (and accountable) team tend to be more profitable and financially secure. EOS encourages every team member, from top to bottom, to think like an ...
Oct 27, 2023•43 min•Ep. 61
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Press releases aren't just words on paper. When done right, they can capture media attention, expand your audiences, and fuel business growth. But how do you begin? What do you talk about? Will anyone listen? How can you create press releases that grab both readers and journalists? And once you've told your story, how do you share it with the world? In this episode, Mickie Kennedy and I explore the potential of press releases for small business owners. ...
Oct 18, 2023•38 min•Ep. 60
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Sustaining a business becomes challenging as labor costs rise, especially in the service industry, where people play a central role. You must keep your eye on your bottom line but also prioritize your employees' well-being. So how do you strike this balance? Through labor efficiency, or making the most of your workforce's talents, time, and resources to get things done smarter and faster. But what is labor efficiency exactly? How does it work? How do yo...
Sep 01, 2023•35 min•Ep. 59
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Dealing with a messy desk while running a growing business? It can seriously get in the way of your productivity. Staying on top of your game becomes a struggle when things are scattered, lost, and disorganized. Beyond the mess, a cluttered workspace disrupts focus, clarity, and completing tasks essential for business growth. Distractions multiply, stress builds up, and finding what you need becomes a scavenger hunt that eats your valuable time. So, whe...
Aug 04, 2023•30 min•Ep. 58
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Construction is a challenging industry where human creativity works magic, turning engineering and architectural plans into actual structures. And while they make building something easy from the ground up, hidden beneath the surface lies a maze of intricate project management complexities that you won't find in other industries. With so many moving parts and a heavy reliance on subcontractors, success requires skillful coordination of teams, schedules,...
Jul 21, 2023•49 min•Ep. 57
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Does your workplace resemble a battlefield where no one collaborates, communication constantly breaks down, and productivity takes a hit? Are your people more invested in politicking, one-upmanship, and other internal conflicts than driving the business forward? If this sounds familiar, it's a sign that your business is grappling with dysfunctional team dynamics where power struggles, lack of trust, and poor communication make success a challenge. But w...
Jul 14, 2023•38 min•Ep. 56
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Growing your business is no easy feat, especially when faced with intense competition. With numerous players fighting tooth and nail for the same customer base, it's easy to fade into obscurity. However, there's a game-changing strategy that many businesses fail to consider: Challenger Branding. This approach allows you to carve out a distinct brand identity and differentiate yourself from competitors. But what exactly is challenger branding? Will it wo...
Jul 07, 2023•40 min•Ep. 55
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! As a small business owner, the last thing you want to worry about is a cybersecurity breach that could potentially ruin your business. But what do you do if you've already been attacked and your systems are taken hostage? Do you pay the ransom? Do you ignore them and start again from scratch? Do you find a friendly yet quirky hacker to help you take the thieves down like in the movies? What can you do to protect your data and save your company? In today...
Jun 30, 2023•46 min•Ep. 54
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Guest podcasting is an excellent strategy to leverage the power of podcasts for business development, expanding your network, and building your brand. Not only does it allow you to showcase your expertise, but you’ll reach new audiences through valuable and engaging content. But with so many shows available, how do you select the right one to guest in? And if you're hosting, how do you choose the ideal guest? In today's episode, our guest Tom Schwab and...
Jun 23, 2023•43 min•Ep. 53
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Difficult conversations with employees and clients are inevitable. These conversations could range from addressing a team member's poor performance or behavioral issues or managing missed deadlines or disagreements with a client. They can get awkward and stressful, but avoiding them may cause bigger problems down the line. In today's episode, our guest Sheila Lambert and I discuss these “difficult conversations”, and she shares valuable insights on maki...
May 19, 2023•37 min•Ep. 52
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Unique content is critical to growing your business. But with AI like ChatGPT on the rise, staying ahead of the game is a challenge. So, how can businesses keep up? How does AI impact thought leadership content? What opportunities and obstacles come with using it? And most importantly, how can you leverage this technology to drive business growth? In today's episode, our guest Stephanie Nivinskus and I discuss all things AI, particularly ChatGPT, and ho...
May 12, 2023•36 min•Ep. 51
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Many seasoned entrepreneurs pour years of blood, sweat, and tears into building a successful company. But with time, priorities change, and circumstances shift. Whether it's retirement, a new endeavor, or handing the company over to your successor, exiting your business requires careful planning and execution. So what steps do you need to take to ensure a smooth transition? How do you prepare yourself emotionally for this major life change? Joining me i...
May 05, 2023•43 min•Ep. 50
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Starting and growing a business can be incredibly fulfilling but can quickly overwhelm many owners. Managing the increased complexity across all aspects of your operations becomes crucial as your business expands. Not only will it help increase revenue, but also help you avoid stress, burnout and even potential resentment towards your customers. So what can you do or set up, so you are better prepared to deal with these "growing pains" both in your prof...
Apr 21, 2023•28 min•Ep. 49
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! As a business owner, you know the importance of planning for success. But have you ever thought about planning for the end of your business journey? Exiting a business is a critical process that requires careful preparation. With a solid exit strategy, you can maintain control of the outcome and get all the rewards for your hard work. Whether you're looking to retire, start a new venture, or sell your business, developing an exit plan ensures a smooth t...
Mar 31, 2023•47 min•Ep. 48
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Having a solid sales infrastructure in place has the potential to make or break your growing business. If designed - and implemented - correctly, it can help you achieve goals, increase sales, and stay ahead of the competition. But building one requires careful planning and execution, and key elements must be in place to support business growth. So what steps do you need to take to establish a sales infrastructure? And how can you ensure that it will ta...
Mar 24, 2023•33 min•Ep. 47
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Staying on top of day-to-day operations can be daunting and this can be especially challenging for small businesses with CEOs often juggling multiple roles to keep their companies running smoothly. But what happens when growth takes off and those responsibilities become too much to handle? This is where a fractional COO can be a game-changer. Their expertise and guidance can help optimize your operations and free up valuable time for you to focus on dri...
Mar 03, 2023•47 min•Ep. 46
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! When running a service-based business, one of your highest costs is your labor cost. You'll need to track your employee's time to ensure your business stays profitable. Timesheets or time-tracking software protects your company, keeps you compliant, and increases productivity. You'll also see how much time each employee is spending on a particular client, which can help set the correct fees for future clients or projects. But if poorly implemented, time...
Feb 24, 2023•34 min•Ep. 45
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Growing a marketing agency is extremely tough. Beyond finding (and retaining) a steady stream of clients, you also need to hire (and keep) experts, manage time spent on projects, and keep an eye out for profitability. Our guest for today's episode of Help! My Business Is Growing is Thomas Padula, President and CEO of Padula Media Digital Marketing Agency. Thomas has been recognized as one of Chester County's 40 Under 40 millennial superstars, and his ag...
Feb 17, 2023•36 min•Ep. 44
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Growing your business means making operational changes to keep your workers and workflows efficient. These adjustments are necessary for your business to adapt and thrive. But in any organization, there will always be employees resistant to change. So how can you make transitions smoother and easier for everyone? In today's episode, our guest Jeffrey Edwards and I talk about how effective communication with all your team members will ensure that they ar...
Feb 10, 2023•33 min•Ep. 43
Comments? Suggestions? Text the show here! Having a self-reliant team is crucial in growing your business. When your employees can function and thrive under minimal supervision, you can focus on more important areas that will push your business to the next level. But with employees heavily depending on you to guide their every step, you'll have less time and energy to concentrate on higher-level tasks. How can you train your workers to have enough competence and confidence to complete their work...
Feb 03, 2023•39 min•Ep. 42