The How of Business - how to start, run and grow a small business - is a weekly show for aspiring Entrepreneurs and existing Small Business Owners. If you are looking for actionable advice, tips and techniques on how to start (including launching or buying your first small business), run and grow your small business, this is the podcast for you! In each episode we either discuss a business topic, or interview an existing small business owner or business service provider. The How of Business is hosted by Henry Lopez who shares the knowledge and experience he has acquired over his corporate and entrepreneurial careers.
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Toy designer and educator Cas Holman explores how embracing play can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help small business owners reframe failure as part of growth. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/586-cas-holman-play-in-business/ Cas Holman, renowned toy designer, educator, and author of Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity, shares with host Henry Lopez how play isn't just for children. It's a powerful mindset for entrepreneurs. ...
Learn a simple, repeatable framework for crafting an effective sales pitch that connects, communicates value, and inspires action. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/585-crafting-your-sales-pitch/ Crafting an effective sales pitch isn't about being slick or persuasive - it's about clarity, empathy, and storytelling. In this episode, host Henry Lopez breaks down how small business owners can build a compelling sales pitch using a customer-centered approach inspired in part by Donal...
In this episode, attorney Wesley Henderson provides practical legal insights essential for small business owners. He discusses the critical need for forming an LLC, navigating partnership agreements, and crafting clear contracts to prevent disputes and "scope creep." Wesley also covers safeguarding intellectual property, understanding trademarks, and offers a specialized legal contract bundle, emphasizing proactive legal foundations for business success and professionalism.
Engineer-turned-entrepreneur Joshua Talbert shares his journey from defense contractor to tech startup founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/583-josh-talbert-software-startup/ In this episode, Henry Lopez interviews Joshua Talbert, co-founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai, about his entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned in building and scaling startups. Joshua shares how his engineering background provided the problem-solving skills that have guided h...
How small signs of disorder in your workplace can erode culture, safety, and customer trust, and how fixing them builds pride and small business success. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/582-broken-windows-theory/ In this episode Henry Lopez explores the Broken Windows Theory and its direct application to small business environments. Originating from research by Philip Zimbardo and popularized in The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, this theory shows how minor neglect - like g...
Entrepreneur Sasha Millstein shares her journey launching Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies and scaling this frozen comfort food brand from idea to shelves. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/581-sasha-millstein-aunt-ethels-pot-pies/ Sasha Millstein, founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies, joins Henry Lopez to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey from concept to scaling a consumer packaged goods (CPG) business. Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, Aunt Ethel's has sold over 75,000 u...
Four compelling reasons why mastering delegation is essential for every small business owner. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r355-4-reasons-to-delegate/ Henry Lopez shares why effective delegation is one of the most critical skills entrepreneurs must develop to grow and eventually step away from their business. In this solo episode, Henry outlines four key reasons to delegate: to save time, leverage others' skills, develop your team, and build a business you can sell. He highl...
How small business owners can unlock hidden profits by optimizing financial levers and making smarter money decisions. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/580-jamie-trull-unlocking-hidden-profits/ Small business owners often focus on chasing revenue, but revenue does not always equal profit. In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by Jamie Trull, CPA, financial literacy coach, and profit strategist, to discuss the essential profit levers that can transform a struggling business into...
Business poll results reveal the biggest challenges small business owners face, from marketing struggles to sales fears, debt concerns, AI adoption, and growth barriers. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/579-business-poll-results/ In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez reviews recent poll results from listeners, highlighting the top challenges and concerns facing small business owners today. From avoiding common mistakes to embracing AI tools, these insights provide ...
The loyalty, referrals, and pricing power a small business gains by consistently delivering remarkable customer experiences, even when the ROI isn't directly measurable in dollars. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/578-vance-morris-return-on-experience/ Vance Morris shares how small businesses can create Disney-inspired customer experiences to drive loyalty, stop competing on price, and generate long-term profitability. Customer experience isn't just for theme parks, it's a compe...
How small business owners can overcome fear, embrace Artificial Intelligence literacy, and start using generative AI tools to improve efficiency and competitiveness. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/577-susan-gonzales-ai-literacy/ Artificial intelligence isn't coming - it's already here, and small business owners can't afford to be left behind. In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez speaks with Susan Gonzales, founder and CEO of AI and You, a nonprofit dedicated to ...
How to get your small business beyond the failure statistics. Learn from the business failure statistics, instead of being a part of the failure stats, and build a business that will last. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/576-beyond-failure-statistics/ Most small businesses don't fail in the first year, but half won't survive past five years; here's how to be on the winning side of that statistic. In episode The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez breaks down the often-cited sm...
Cybersecurity expert Nick Mullen shares how you can protect your business from cyber attacks. Small businesses are often the target for today's most dangerous cyber threats. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/575-nick-mullen-cyber-security/ Cyberattacks are no longer just a threat to large corporations - small business owners are now the most frequent and most vulnerable targets. In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez speaks with cybersecurity expert and Entoo Securit...
Learn the 5 reasons your businesses will fail and how to avoid them. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/574-5-reasons-your-business-will-fail/ Most small businesses don't fail because of bad luck - they fail because of predictable and avoidable mistakes. On this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez shares the top five reasons small businesses fail, drawing on decades of experience coaching entrepreneurs and running his own small business ventures. Henry Lopez explor...
Maximize your Google Business Profile to improve local SEO, generate more leads, and protect your online presence. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/573-marco-silva-google-business-profile/ For small local businesses, visibility online can make or break your customer acquisition efforts. In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by Marco Silva with Oostas to break down why your Google Business Profile (GBP) may be your single most important marketing asset, and how to use it to your...
How Zach Beutler developed the Jungle Driving School Franchise, and practical advice for business owners and franchisees. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/572-zach-beutler-jungle-driving-franchise/ In this inspiring episode, Henry Lopez welcomes Zach Beutler, a seasoned entrepreneur and franchising expert, to share his journey from early franchise ventures to his latest role leading the expansion of Jungle Driving School, a franchise focused on teen driver safety. Zach shares hi...
Niche down to scale up your small business faster. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r351-niche-down-scale-up/ Focus on the essential and most profitable products or services. Don't try to be all things to all people. In this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez explores one of the most powerful strategies for early-stage growth: niching down. Whether you're just launching or a year or two into your journey, trying to do too much too soon can keep your business stu...
Employee to Business Owner - what to consider when overcoming the fear and uncertainty of transitioning from employee to business owner. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/571-employee-to-business-owner/ If you've dreamed of leaving your job to start your own business but feel stuck by fear, uncertainty, or financial security, this episode is for you. Henry Lopez shares his personal experience and practical advice on how to successfully transition from employee to business owner. ...
Buyer-First Sales for Business Owners with sales coach and author Carole Mahoney. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/570-carole-mahoney-buyer-first-sales/ Do you dread sales conversations or feel like you're forcing your product or service onto people? Carole Mahoney, renowned sales coach and author of Buyer First, joins Henry Lopez to change the way small business owners think about selling. Carole shares how collaborative selling can not only improve your results but also feel m...
Big Rocks - a prioritization and time management technique for small business owners. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/569-big-rocks/ If you're always busy but still not making meaningful progress, this episode is for you. Henry Lopez introduces the "Big Rocks" method made famous by Stephen Covey, helping small business owners and entrepreneurs shift from reactive to purposeful weekly planning. This isn't about doing more - it's about doing what matters most." "The key is not to...
The two most essential responsibilities every successful small business owner must embrace: making decisions and accepting personal mistakes. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r245-two-responsibilities/ While the list of responsibilities is long for any entrepreneur, these two are foundational to the success of a small business owner or entrepreneur. On this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez shares personal insights and experiences to help aspiring and current b...
Own the Spotlight - practical strategies small business owners can use to turn public speaking from dread to delight, emphasizing the power of storytelling and authentic communication. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/568-linda-ugelow-own-the-spotlight/ In this episode, Henry Lopez speaks with Linda Ugelow, author of Delight in the Limelight and an expert speaking confidence coach, about overcoming the fear of public speaking. Linda shares her personal journey from anxiety to ma...
Focus Without Burnout: Smarter Strategies for Entrepreneurs. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/567-skye-waterson-focus-without-burnout/ In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez is joined by ADHD strategist and coach Skye Waterson to explore powerful strategies for entrepreneurs who struggle with focus, burnout, or executive dysfunction. Skye and Henry break down how to work with your brain instead of against it, using tools like time blocking, effective delegation...
Good Debt Bad Debt: How to Borrow Strategically in Business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/566-good-debt-bad-debt/ In this episode of The How of Business, host Henry Lopez reframes how small business owners think about debt. While consumer debt is often harmful and emotionally charged, Henry makes the case that strategic borrowing, or good debt, can be an essential growth tool for entrepreneurs. Henry walks through key differences between personal and business debt, outlines ...
Transitioning from manager to leader is more than a title change - it's a mindset shift. In this episode, executive coach James Turk shares insights from his book The Giving Game, including his F45 Playbook for new leaders. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/565-james-turk-manager-to-leader/ Whether you're stepping into leadership yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is packed with practical advice to lead with influence, not just authority. Drawing from decade...
The essentials of Small Business Systems with host Henry Lopez. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r242-small-business-systems/ Building a self-managed business starts with solid systems. In this short solo episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez shares practical advice on how to develop, implement, and improve the systems that help small businesses scale, delegate, and operate consistently. Whether you're just starting out or need to escape the chaos of doing everything yours...
The Courage Gap - Overcoming fear and self-doubt to take bold action in your business and life. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/564-margie-warrell-courage-gap/ Dr. Margie Warrell joins Henry Lopez to explore how fear often holds small business owners back—not because of what they can't do, but because of what they aren't doing. Margie's latest book, The Courage Gap, unpacks how entrepreneurs and professionals can close the gap between their potential and their current actions b...
How I use AI (Artificial Intelligence) in my small business. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/563-how-i-use-ai/ AI is no longer optional – it's a game-changer for small business owners. In this episode, Henry Lopez shares how he uses AI tools like ChatGPT to increase productivity, streamline content creation, automate workflows, and improve client services. If you're still on the sidelines, this episode shares examples of how you can start using AI in your business today. In thi...
What are the essential Skills for Success in small business and life? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/562-skills-for-success/ In this episode, Henry Lopez and guest co-host David Begin break down the critical skills and traits that lead to long-term success. From self-discipline to curiosity, they explore practical insights to help entrepreneurs and professionals thrive. Henry and David discuss the key skills and personal traits that they've observed in successful business owne...
Cyber Security for small businesses, with IT services and cybersecurity experts Gary Pica. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/561-gary-pica-cyber-security/ Cybersecurity threats are a growing risk for small businesses. In this episode, Henry Lopez speaks with Gary Pica, a pioneer in IT services and cybersecurity, about practical strategies to protect small businesses from cyber threats. Learn how to reduce risks, implement strong security measures, and plan for potential cyberatta...
