Send us a text In this week’s episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares an inspiring story about a cracked pot and the unexpected beauty that comes from imperfections. Drawing on this fable, Anna explores how small business owners can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Learn three actionable strategies to reframe challenges, focus on what you can control, and build a strong support system to navigate tough times. Whether you’re facing a difficult client, supply ...
Dec 02, 2024•7 min
Send us a text This special Thanksgiving episode of Monday Morning Motivation is all about gratitude and how it can transform your business and mindset. Host Anna Steinfest shares the inspiring story of a farmer and a wise traveler to illustrate the power of thankfulness in overcoming challenges and fostering growth. Discover how practicing gratitude can strengthen relationships, fuel resilience, and inspire innovation in your entrepreneurial journey. Anna also provides a simple gratitude exerci...
Nov 25, 2024•10 min
Send us a text In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest dives into the powerful 5 Whys method, developed by Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota. This simple yet effective problem-solving technique has been used for decades to uncover root causes, improve quality, and reduce costs in businesses of all sizes. Anna shares the fascinating history of the 5 Whys, its continued relevance today, and how small business owners can apply it to solve recurring issues in their ope...
Nov 18, 2024•7 min
Send us a text In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares a timeless fable about a donkey, a tiger, and the King of the Jungle to reveal an important lesson for business owners: sometimes the smartest move is to walk away. Anna dives into the importance of protecting your energy and focus by avoiding pointless arguments, especially with people more interested in being “right” than in finding the truth. Learn how to identify “donkey traps” in your business life, cho...
Nov 10, 2024•10 min
Send us a text In this special episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest sits down with Clinton E. Smith, author of The Complete Man: Triumphing Adversity and Achieving Success Without Losing Yourself . Clinton shares powerful insights on how to balance business success with personal fulfillment, resilience, and well-being—especially relevant for small business owners who often face intense pressures and high demands. Together, they discuss practical strategies for overcoming ad...
Nov 03, 2024•24 min
Send us a text In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest explores a fundamental challenge many small business owners face: why knowing what to do isn’t always enough to spark action. Drawing on the powerful concepts of motivation, belief, and responsibility, Anna shares insights into why we often don’t take steps we know are essential to our success. With three practical steps, this episode will help you reconnect with your “why,” build momentum through small, consistent...
Oct 27, 2024•10 min
Send us a text In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares the timeless story of King Midas to highlight the importance of aligning your business goals with your personal values. Through the lens of this ancient tale, Anna explains how misaligned values and a singular focus on financial success can lead to unintended consequences. She offers practical advice for entrepreneurs on defining success, maintaining balance, and ensuring that your business supports long-ter...
Oct 20, 2024•14 min
Send us a text In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , host Anna Steinfest shares the powerful story of an ancient Indian guru teaching the art of archery to illustrate the importance of focus in business. Learn how setting clear goals and maintaining laser-sharp focus can help you hit your targets and drive your business forward. Anna also highlights why direction is key to success, drawing parallels to a traveler without a destination. Tune in for actionable tips on how to align your da...
Oct 13, 2024•12 min
Send us a text In this episode of Monday Morning Motivation , Anna Steinfest shares the powerful lesson of the bumblebee, an insect that flies despite the odds stacked against it. Using this metaphor, Anna encourages small business owners to push past self-imposed limits and overcome naysayers. Drawing from her own experience of launching the successful Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program, Anna inspires listeners to believe in their dreams, trust their instincts, and keep going, even when t...
Oct 07, 2024•11 min
Send us a text In this empowering episode of Monday Morning Motivation with Anna Steinfest , we dive into the reality that success attracts critics. Anna shares why criticism often comes with growth and offers actionable insights to help small business owners rise above negativity. Through real-life stories and practical advice, you’ll learn how to turn criticism into fuel for your success. Plus, there's an interactive exercise to help reframe your perspective on criticism. Tune in and get ready...
Sep 29, 2024•13 min
Send us a text In this inspiring episode of Monday Morning Motivation with Anna Steinfest , discover how the story of an eagle raised as a prairie chicken mirrors the journey of many small business owners. Anna shares actionable tips and real-life examples to help entrepreneurs break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential. If you're ready to think bigger, aim higher, and transform your mindset for business success, this episode is for you! #SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurMotivati...
Sep 23, 2024•12 min
Send us a text In this episode of "Monday Motivation with Anna Steinfest," Anna tells the story of the stonecutter, a powerful example of how consistent, daily effort can lead to monumental success. Discover why persistence is essential in overcoming obstacles and achieving your business goals. This episode will motivate you to keep pushing forward, even when progress seems slow, and remind you that every small action brings you closer to your breakthrough. Perfect for entrepreneurs seeking enco...
Sep 16, 2024•6 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Send us a text In this episode of "Monday Motivation with Anna Steinfest," Anna shares the inspiring story of the Chinese Bamboo Tree, a powerful metaphor for the patience and perseverance required in business. Learn how consistent effort, even when progress seems invisible, can lead to extraordinary growth. This episode will encourage you to stay committed to your goals, reminding you that success often takes time and persistence. Perfect for business owners who need a reminder that their hard ...
Sep 09, 2024•7 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Send us a text In this episode of "Monday Motivation with Anna Steinfest," Anna shares a powerful story about a balloon vendor and a little boy that reveals a profound truth: It’s what’s inside that counts. Learn how your attitude shapes your business outcomes and why a positive mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges. Whether you're facing slow sales or tough decisions, this episode will help you harness the power within to elevate your business to new heights....
Sep 02, 2024•6 min
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , co-hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer dive deep into the critical decisions every small business owner faces when managing tasks and setting priorities. With so much to do and limited time, how do you ensure you're not just being busy, but truly productive? Anna and Michael introduce two pivotal questions that can transform your approach to productivity. Should you focus on efficiency—getting more done faster—or effec...
Aug 29, 2024•8 min
Send us a text In the debut episode of "Monday Motivation with Anna Steinfest," Anna explores why having the right tools and tips isn't enough for small business success. Discover the essential ingredient that every entrepreneur needs to thrive—motivation. Tune in as Anna shares insights on how to cultivate the drive and determination needed to turn your business dreams into reality. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reignite your passion, this episode will inspire you to keep pushi...
Aug 26, 2024•5 min
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , co-hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer dive into proven strategies that small business owners can use to create and maintain strong customer relationships. Discover how excellent customer service, personalized experiences, and effective use of CRM tools can lead to increased loyalty and repeat business. We'll share practical examples, recommend powerful tools like Zendesk, HubSpot, and Salesforce, and offer actionable ...
Aug 15, 2024•14 min
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , co-hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer delve into the crucial skill of pitching your business effectively. Learn why it's essential to plan before you pitch and discover practical tips to ensure your communication stands out. Key Takeaways: Don’t Adlib: Preparation is key. Avoid improvisation and know exactly what you want to convey to make your pitch impactful. Don’t Pack It: Clarity and brevity matter. Keep your mess...
Aug 07, 2024•11 min
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , co-hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer dive into the crucial aspects of effective financial management for small businesses. Learn how to create and stick to a budget, manage cash flow to avoid shortfalls, and utilize financial software for streamlined accounting processes. We also explore the importance of understanding financial statements and offer actionable tips for reducing costs and increasing profitability. Tun...
Jul 30, 2024•13 min
Send us a text Join hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer in this exciting new episode of Small Business Survival Conversations . Dive into the world of artificial intelligence and discover how AI tools and strategies can revolutionize your small business. In this episode, Anna and Michael share three crucial tips to help you harness the power of AI, drive growth, and stay competitive in today's fast-paced market. Tune in and transform your business with actionable insights and practical advic...
Jul 26, 2024•10 min•Season 2Ep. 95
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer delve into the dynamic world of social media to uncover essential tools and tactics for small business growth. From selecting the perfect platforms to crafting compelling content and leveraging analytics, this episode is packed with actionable insights designed to help small business owners thrive online. Whether you're new to social media or looking to refine your strategy, our thre...
Jul 17, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 94
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations , co-hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer explore the crucial elements of effective communication for small business owners. Understanding and mastering the use of body language, tone of voice, and word selection can significantly impact your ability to build trust, convey important messages, and engage your team and customers. Key Topics Covered: Body Language (55%) : Learn how your physical presence can enhance your mes...
Jul 01, 2024•11 min
Send us a text Welcome to another insightful episode of Small Business Conversations with your hosts, Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer! In this episode, Anna and Michael dive deep into the art of effectively prompting AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude to maximize their potential and enhance your business operations. Episode Highlights: Defining the Role of AI : Discover how to establish clear roles for your AI tool, whether it's acting as a content expert, a presenter, a decision-maker, or anothe...
Jun 12, 2024•13 min
Send us a text S truggling to keep up with the daily grind in your small business? Wish you had more time to focus on what truly matters - growing your business? This episode of Small Business Survival Conversations dives into the world of Generative AI , a game-changer for busy entrepreneurs. We'll explore how these powerful tools can become your secret weapon for increased productivity and ultimate small business success , allowing you to: Become a Content Machine: Generate compelling product ...
Jun 03, 2024•12 min
Send us a text Welcome to another insightful episode of Small Business Survival Conversations . Today, we're diving deep into the art of branding your business—a crucial strategy to distinguish it from branding a product or service. In this episode, we unpack the four essential guides for effective business branding: Consistency: Discover why maintaining a consistent brand presence in everything you offer, say, and do is vital for building customer trust and loyalty. Clear Messaging to a Complex...
May 17, 2024•13 min
Send us a text Join hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer in this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations, titled "Understanding Profit: Types and Strategies." Delving into the intricacies of profit management, Anna and Michael provide a comprehensive guide to help small business owners navigate the complexities of profitability. Beginning with an exploration of gross profit, listeners will learn how to calculate and optimize their revenue minus the cost of goods sold, laying a solid ...
May 08, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 89
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations, co-hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer sit down with Barb LaMue, a seasoned economic development and entrepreneurship expert. With a rich background in fostering innovation and growth, Barb shares invaluable insights and strategies for small businesses aiming to thrive in today's dynamic landscape. Drawing from her extensive experience, Barb delves into various topics crucial for small business success. She discusses na...
Apr 18, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 88
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations, hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer delve into the vital topic of Smart Leadership (and Ownership) in the Age of AI. Shedding traditional hierarchical structures, they advocate for a hands-on approach where leaders immerse themselves in the trenches alongside their team members. The conversation emphasizes the importance of first seeing employees as individuals, fostering a trust and communication culture. Anna and Mich...
Apr 18, 2024•14 min
Send us a text In our latest episode, hosts Michael Troyer and Anna Steinfest dive deep into the crucial topic of "Small Business Financial Mastery: Navigate Your Path to Success!" Discover the indispensable role of financial indicators and why they are the cornerstone of every successful small business. Why Are Financial Indicators Important? Financial indicators serve as your small business's dashboard, providing real-time insights to drive informed decision-making. They offer a comprehensive ...
Apr 10, 2024•19 min
Send us a text In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations, join us as we delve into the world of artificial intelligence and its transformative impact on small businesses. Discover how embracing AI tools like ChatGPT can revolutionize your marketing strategies, boost efficiency, and drive success in today's competitive landscape. Learn the essential ingredients and step-by-step recipe for effectively communicating with ChatGPT, from defining clear objectives to refining AI-generate...
Apr 02, 2024•14 min
