Send us a text In business, the biggest risk isn't making a mistake—it's moving too slowly. In this power-packed episode of Monday Morning Motivation, Anna Steinfest shares why the ability to take quick, decisive action might be your most underrated business skill. Drawing inspiration from legendary CEO Jack Welch's biggest career regret—not moving fast enough—Anna reveals how hesitation costs small business owners more opportunities than failure ever will. From missed partnerships to delayed pr...
Jul 13, 2025•12 min
Send us a text Episode Description: Ready to transform how you approach every business decision and relationship? In this powerful Monday Morning Motivation episode, host Anna Steinfest introduces a game-changing mindset shift that can revolutionize your small business and personal life. What You'll Learn: The difference between being the "buyer" vs. the "seller" in your business relationships Why saying "no" to misaligned opportunities creates space for better ones How to become selective witho...
Jul 06, 2025•7 min
Send us a text Feeling overwhelmed by your endless to-do list? Questioning if you're cut out for the entrepreneur life? You're not alone—and you're definitely not failing. In this Monday Morning Motivation episode, Anna Steinfest busts the biggest myth about resilience: that some people are just "naturally" resilient while others aren't. Spoiler alert: resilience isn't something you're born with—it's something you build, one choice at a time. What You'll Learn: Why thinking of resilience as a fi...
Jun 29, 2025•11 min
Send us a text Feeling stretched thin in your small business? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it all. In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , Anna dives into the transformational concept from Dan Sullivan’s book Who Not How . Discover why asking “Who can help me?” instead of “How do I do this?” can be the breakthrough you need. Anna shares personal stories, real-life examples, and actionable steps to help you delegate with confidence, reclaim your time, and focus on what truly m...
Jun 22, 2025•9 min
Send us a text What happens when a doctor trades her stethoscope for a welding torch? Meet Maria Perl, founder of Spark Ops Metalworks, whose journey from a medical professional to a certified woman and minority-owned business leader proves the American Dream is alive and sparking. Under Maria's leadership, Spark Ops has positioned itself to excel across Entertainment, Aerospace, Automotive, Defense, and Construction industries, delivering precise, high-quality solutions for major clients includ...
Jun 21, 2025•30 min
Send us a text Feeling stuck on a business challenge? Convinced there's only one "right" way to reach your goals? In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation, host Anna Steinfest shares a simple but powerful mindset shift that could revolutionize how you solve problems and make decisions in your business. What You'll Learn: Why successful entrepreneurs think in options, not absolutes A 10-minute exercise to unlock creative solutions to any business challenge The Time-Money-Impact filter that he...
Jun 09, 2025•13 min
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , we interview Scotty Smith , founder of Synergy Sports Performance in Green Bay, WI. With over 20 years in strength and conditioning—and a career that began with the Green Bay Packers—Scotty shares the story behind launching Synergy, the challenges he faced as a small business owner, and the mindset that keeps him focused and growing. We dive into how growing up on a farm in Iowa shaped his strong work ethic, problem-solvin...
Jun 05, 2025•21 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , Anna Steinfest explores one of the most powerful shifts small business owners can make in how they network: transitioning from a hunter to a farmer mindset. Inspired by insights from Networking Like a Pro by Dr. Ivan Misner, Anna shares how the most successful entrepreneurs build long-lasting, referral-rich relationships—not by chasing quick wins, but by planting seeds of trust and consistency. You’ll learn: Why traditional networking oft...
Jun 01, 2025•10 min
Send us a text In this powerful episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , we kick off our new Thursday Real Talk series with Ron Franklin—an executive leader, mentor, and trusted advisor to small business owners. Ron brings years of experience mentoring entrepreneurs and shares honest, no-fluff insights about what it really takes to survive and thrive as a small business. From mindset shifts to leadership growth, his message is clear and encouraging: asking for help is not a sign of fai...
May 29, 2025•21 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , Anna Steinfest shares a powerful story from history to highlight a critical lesson for small business owners: if you don’t measure your performance, you’re operating in the dark. Using the example of a tragic 1707 naval disaster—where poor navigation led to the loss of four warships and 2,000 lives—Anna draws a parallel to the modern entrepreneur who steers a business without tracking key metrics. Whether it’s your financial performance ,...
May 18, 2025•11 min
Send us a text In this Monday Morning Motivation episode, Anna Steinfest shares a powerful mindset shift for small business owners who want to stop chasing clients and start leading sales conversations with clarity and confidence . Drawing from real-world sales insights, Anna explains why most sales interactions fail before they even begin—because the buyer sets the rules by default. From stalling tactics to vague “think it overs,” prospects often stay in control while small business owners give...
May 12, 2025•11 min
Send us a text In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , small business expert Anna Steinfest dives into a common trap that holds back entrepreneurs and business owners— perfectionism . If you've ever delayed launching your product, held back on marketing your services, or told yourself, "I'll start when it's perfect," this is the episode you need to hear. Anna shares her personal story of overcoming rejection and self-doubt during her time in banking, making hundreds of cold calls despite ...
May 04, 2025•6 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , Anna Steinfest shares a personal story about one of the toughest—and most valuable—lessons she learned early in her career: how to roll with rejection. From cold calls in the banking industry where people hung up the moment she said “hello,” to building a thriving business empire, Anna reveals how reframing rejection as a game —and a necessary part of the journey—became one of her greatest advantages. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why ...
Apr 27, 2025•8 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , Anna Steinfest delivers a powerful message every small business owner needs to hear: success doesn’t come to the fastest—it comes to the most persistent. If you're putting in the work but not seeing results yet, this episode is for you. Anna breaks down the hidden value of staying consistent, even when progress feels invisible, and shares why persistence—not talent or luck—is what separates those who succeed from those who give up too soo...
Apr 14, 2025•8 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest explores a powerful truth every small business owner must understand: customers don’t buy products—they buy solutions to their problems. Drawing inspiration from human psychology and real-world examples, Anna breaks down the relationship between unmet needs, emotional discomfort, and purchasing behavior. You’ll learn why identifying your customer’s emotional pain points—and positioning your product or service as the so...
Apr 06, 2025•9 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest tackles one of the silent killers of business momentum: cynicism . Cynicism whispers that your efforts aren’t worth it, that someone else is doing it better, or that it’s all been done before. And whether it comes from pessimistic friends, harsh critics, or your own inner voice— it can poison your progress if you let it. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ What cynicism really is and how to recognize it ✅ How it subtly da...
Mar 30, 2025•9 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest dives into one of the most critical habits every small business owner must master: self-discipline . Unlike traditional jobs, business owners don’t have a boss looking over their shoulder— and that freedom can lead to procrastination, distraction, and stalled progress. In this episode, Anna explains why discipline matters more than motivation when running a business, and how consistent, focused action is the true drive...
Mar 24, 2025•8 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest tackles one of the biggest obstacles in business— waiting for the perfect moment. Too many entrepreneurs delay taking action, thinking they need more time, more knowledge, or better conditions before they start. But the truth is, success comes from action, not overthinking. In this episode, Anna shares why waiting is the biggest risk you can take in business and how clarity, confidence, and growth come from starting no...
Mar 16, 2025•6 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest reveals how running a business is just like cooking a delicate dish —it’s all about finding the right balance. 🔥 Too much heat (rushing growth)? You risk burnout and poor quality. 🕒 Too little heat (moving too slowly)? You may miss valuable opportunities. 👨🍳 A disorganized kitchen (lack of structure)? Leads to chaos and inefficiency. Just like a great chef follows a recipe, business owners must learn to pace their...
Mar 09, 2025•9 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares one of the most powerful yet overlooked success strategies in business— consistency. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Just like water shapes rock over time, small, daily actions create momentum, build trust, and separate you from the competition. But too many business owners give up too soon, expecting instant results. In this episode, Anna breaks down why consistency is the key to long-term success and gives y...
Mar 03, 2025•8 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest dives into one of the most overlooked yet powerful business strategies: simplicity. Jack Welch, former CEO of GE, believed that keeping things simple was key to success, and Albert Einstein famously said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.” Yet, many small business owners overcomplicate their messaging, thinking it makes them look more credible. The truth? Confused customers never buy. In...
Feb 23, 2025•10 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest dives into one of the most important questions every small business owner must answer: Why are you doing what you’re doing? Without a strong why , challenges feel overwhelming, burnout sets in, and success becomes harder to achieve. But when you’re clear on your purpose, it fuels your passion, keeps you resilient, and helps you push through obstacles. Through the powerful story of The Lumberjack and the Dull Axe , Anna...
Feb 09, 2025•8 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares the powerful story of The Butterfly and the Cocoon to explore how struggles shape us into stronger, more capable individuals and business owners. Challenges are a natural part of entrepreneurship, but instead of avoiding them, we can embrace them as opportunities to grow, innovate, and build resilience. Anna dives into why struggles are essential for success, how they teach resilience and confidence, and how sma...
Jan 19, 2025•9 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest reveals the secret to transforming your sales process: asking the right questions. Selling isn’t about pushing a product or service—it’s about connecting with your customers on an emotional level and guiding them to make decisions that feel right for them. Discover how to use emotionally engaging questions to uncover your customers’ needs, motives, and challenges and how this approach builds trust, deepens connections,...
Jan 13, 2025•10 min
Send us a text In this week’s Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest dives into the fascinating story of Huy Fong’s Sriracha, the iconic “rooster sauce,” and the lessons small business owners can learn from its rise—and fall. Discover how missteps in supply chain management, branding, and business relationships allowed competitors like Tabasco-maker McIlhenny to seize the market. Anna breaks down three critical takeaways for small business owners, including the importance of diversifyin...
Jan 06, 2025•8 min
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , Anna Steinfest sits down with a seasoned economic developer and former entrepreneur who knows the challenges and rewards of running a small business. With a Master's degree in Urban Planning and Real Estate Development from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and years of experience in economic development, our guest shares valuable insights on how small businesses can leverage local resources, navigate common challenges, ...
Jan 04, 2025•20 min
Send us a text In this New Year’s edition of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares the inspiring story of The Jar and the Rocks to highlight the importance of focusing on what truly matters in your business and life. As small business owners, the start of the year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and set meaningful resolutions that align with your goals. Anna offers three actionable steps to help you identify your “big rocks,” break them into manageable tasks, and stay on ...
Dec 30, 2024•7 min
Send us a text In this special holiday edition of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest explores the power of generosity and how it can transform your small business. Inspired by the timeless story of The Giving Tree , Anna shares how embracing the spirit of giving can strengthen customer relationships, build team loyalty, and create a meaningful impact in your community. Discover three actionable ways to bring generosity into your business this season—and throughout the year. Whether ...
Dec 22, 2024•8 min
Send us a text In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest dives into the secret to sales success: understanding your customer’s “why.” Through the relatable story of a man and his shovel, Anna illustrates why focusing on what you’re selling isn’t enough—what truly matters is understanding the deeper need your product or service fulfills. Discover three actionable strategies to connect with your customers’ motivations, speak to their emotions, and show how your offering so...
Dec 16, 2024•10 min
Send us a text In this week’s episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares Aesop’s timeless fable, The Ant and the Grasshopper , to highlight a powerful lesson for small business owners: the importance of preparation and planning. Drawing inspiration from the hardworking Ant, Anna explores how entrepreneurs can navigate the cycles of abundance and challenge by building financial reserves, investing in systems, and staying focused on long-term goals. Whether you’re in a seaso...
Dec 09, 2024•9 min
