Grow A Small Business Podcast

In this episode, I interview Terry Begue, the Owner and Founder of Begue Painting, Inc., a painting company based in Cleveland, USA, making customers' homes look new and gorgeous. Terry is passionate about perfecting his people skills which happened to be the reason his business has blown up. Started his painting business in 1978, aged 18 with no money, no experience, and no connections, and unfortunately failed miserably. However, Terry refused to give up so he has refined his process for business and personal growth through customer engagement and retention. He has seen growth since then, growing his people from 1 to around 12 FTEs and doubling revenue each year. Terry has been doing something with everything he learned in running a business. Today, Terry is an international speaker and author of, "Attract & Keep Customers for Life." He's been using this book to help entrepreneurs and small business owners grow their businesses and so to provide a great life for their families. This Cast Covers: Started his business at a young age with no money, experience, and no connections. After several years, the painting company has grown its revenue and people with increasing demand for its service. Learned how to quickly accommodate and provide the highest quality possible service. Refined process for business and personal growth through customer engagement and retention. The author of the book entitled Attract & Keep Customers for Life. The book discusses the abilities to build trust, communicate one's value and charge what's worth. Now works as a business owner, international speaker, and author of books that bring success. Loyal repeat clients do some of the marketing for the business. Learned to stop fearing taking chances and how it would turn a person's life and career. Passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small business owners who, more than anything, want to provide a great life for their families. Additional Resources: Begue Painting Inc. Attract & Keep Customers For Life By Terry Begue The Slight Edge By Jeff Olson Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki __________________________ Quotes: "Stop fearing taking chances." —Terry Begue "Take yourself out of the equation, each of us has full control over making decisions." —Terry Begue "If you want to be successful, you have to let other people lead and allow them to express their opinions." —Terry Begue "Just be ready for anything every day and don't let emotions get in the way." —Terry Begue "Show some care to your employees and customers because the foundation of the relationship is caring." —Terry Begue __________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Walter Hill, Jr., the Chairman and CEO of Icon Blue, Inc., a brand marketing firm based in Los Angeles, USA. Icon Blue helps entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed through merchandise branding, imprinting of corporate brands on products, placement of products images, and corporate logos. Walter founded Icon Blue in 1998, and within its first few years of operation, the company earned multiple awards and was recognized because of its incredible services. For over two decades of operation, Icon Blue became a leading Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) provider of marketing solutions in the United States. For over five decades in business, Walter has been talking about red flagging. With that, he wrote a book entitled "Think Red Flags" which offers a simple but new proactive approach to achieving a profitable small business. He says, "If you identify red flags in advance, then you have that opportunity to rectify it before it happens to your business." This Cast Covers: A brand marketing firm that stands out in the competitive industry of branded merchandise. Introducing the merchandise branding, imprinting of corporate brands on products, placement of products images, and corporate logos to be visible with target clients. Supporting client goals in all areas of sales promotion, marketing, and special events. With a variety of specialties and services that will generate measurable positive results. Learning how to identify red flags in business which are possible issues that could arise and preventing them to happen can make a difference. Recognizing the importance of balance between the business and personal life. Learning that every entrepreneur should know how to handle balance and know its importance in life to prevent hurtful experiences from happening. How well-prepared rapport to clients can build relationships, gaining their interests and trust. The importance of developing a strong culture that signifies the nature of how well the business operates. Showing respect to people is a very low-cost way to recognize and appreciate their efforts. Additional Resources: Icon Blue Think Red Flags By Walter Hill Jr. The Gift of Fear By Gavin de Becker __________________________ Quotes: "If you identify red flags in advance, then you have that opportunity to rectify it before it happens to your business." —Walter Hill Jr. "If you let a high impact mistake happen several times, it could be a real detriment to what you were trying to get." —Walter Hill Jr. "Efficiency leads to profit, and profit leads to higher wages, more opportunities for the team, and a win for the ownership." —Walter Hill Jr. "Develop a strong culture in your business so that as you grow, your service ethic won't deteriorate." —Walter Hill Jr. "Keep believing the people you choose to work with and make sure you have a vision even if you're a small business." —Walter Hill Jr. __________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Betty Brennan, the President and Founder of Taylor Studios, an event management company based in Chicago, USA. Taylor Studios helps museums, nature centers, corporations, and universities with planning, and building exhibits. They make every exhibit educational to a certain level of professionalism. Taylor Studios was founded in 1991, started in the kitchen garage, and grew from there. From 2 FTEs, now around 35 FTEs, and from $200,000 in sales to over $4 million in a span of 31 years. The company has been receiving Inc. 5000 awards and made the Inc. 500 list in 2000. They have completed 700 projects in 45 states and 4 countries, teaching the world about history, nature, and culture. Betty shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is getting more people. Because there's no business without the people. For she says, "Learning how to get that group of people moving towards the same vision is a tricky thing." This Cast Covers: An event management company, helping museums, nature centers, corporations, and universities with planning, and building exhibits. With a diverse staff of graphic and exhibit designers, and storytellers working to provide beautiful and meaningful projects. Providing collaborative, creative, on time, and in the budget process of service. Helping clients tell a story that inspires visitors. Making everything throughout the process durable to inspire people to get involved. Flexibility kept their clients on top of things, making everything easier for them. Making exhibits educational done to a certain level of professionalism. Started in the kitchen garage with 2 FTEs, now around 35 FTEs, and was awarded multiple Inc. 5000. From $200,000 in sales to over $1.4 million in 31 years. Completed over 700 projects in 45 states and 4 countries teaching the world about history, nature, and culture. Additional Resources: Taylor Studios The Ideal Team Player By Patrick M. Lencioni The One Minute Manager By Ken Blanchard The Five Temptations of a CEO By Patrick M. Lencioni ____________________ Quotes: "For project-based businesses, reputation is everything so building relationships is important." —Betty Brennan "Learn leadership and emotional intelligence earlier, learn how to communicate and lead a group of people." —Betty Brennan "Be open-minded, curious, constantly learning, and you'll get through the ups and downs." —Betty Brennan "Attitude is more important than skill." —Betty Brennan "Group dynamics is a really important aspect of running a successful team." —Betty Brennan ____________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Nikitas Tsoukales, the Founder of Real Top, a digital marketing agency based in Boston, USA. Real Top helps small and even large service businesses owners have a blast off online. The company also helps business owners generate revenue by creating digital marketing campaigns. With more than 15 years of experience growing multiple sales teams, Nikitas founded his own digital marketing agency in 2019. He started the business by himself, added one person after a year, and is now growing into 6 FTEs. In just two years, found growth by 600% and was awarded Inc. 5000 as one of the fast-growing companies in the US. Nikitas says that the key to growing any successful business today is getting in front of as many people online as humanly possible. He has been passionate about helping businesses to grow online and keep new customers lining up to do business with them. This Cast Covers: Helping business owners create, deploy and manage marketing campaigns for hyper-growth. A digital marketing agency, helping small to even large service businesses generate more leads. Generating revenue by creating digital marketing campaigns that outclass the competition. Introducing campaigns into the marketplace to gather data in the most cost-effective manner possible. Providing clients with a collaborative and impactful experience while keeping new customers lining up to do business with their clients. Using Google ads to scale his own business and even clients' businesses. Learning that the key to growing any successful business today is getting in front of as many people online as humanly possible. With more than 15 years of experience growing multiple sales teams. How small businesses can grow online by implementing a digital marketing plan. Has been awarded multiple INC. 5000 Awards for fast-growing private companies in the United States. Additional Resources: Real Top The 10X Rule By Grant Cardone RealTop with Nikitas Tsoukales ____________________ Quotes: "For any small business looking to jump on digital, don't just think of maybe the cost per click and the cost per lead but think of the shock to the business." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Always acknowledge the talents and efforts of the people around your company." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Success for me is doing what I want to do when I want to do it." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Get your referral game on lockdown." —Nikitas Tsoukales "Create a simple workflow, make a roadmap for your business, and later you will see growth." —Nikitas Tsoukales ____________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Hayden Brass, the Founder and Managing Director of Zea, an Australian-based health and wellness company. At Zea, they are committed to unearthing the diverse healing properties of the Kunzea ambigua plant. All Zea products are made with natural, sustainably sourced ingredients. It was all started as a small family project then Hayden has been the driving force behind transforming it into a thriving business. Today, Zea is now a fast-growing business that positively impacts thousands of people throughout the world. With 7 FTEs, a B Corp score of 86, and got $3 million in the most recent financial year. Hayden has been passionate about growing their family business. He has to do something from all the things he learned in the industry and business. He says, "If you don't do anything with the things you're learning, there's no point in doing too much." This Cast Covers: An Australian family business that has developed a natural range of locally-manufactured products for health, wellness, and lifestyle. All products are 100% natural, therapeutic-quality, toxin-free, and cruelty-free. Started as a small family project in Tasmania, now a fast-growing Australian business that positively impacts thousands of people throughout the world. Developing health and wellness products from pain relief cream to soothing products and oils. Made from a unique Tasmanian plant called Kunzea, committed to its healing benefits. Founded on a love for nature and a passion for unearthing the diverse healing benefits of Kunzea and native Australian flora. Got $3.2 million in the most recent financial year with a B corp score of 86. How consistent conversation with the team is a tool to help grow a small business. Learning to make use and do something on what you're learning rather than doing too much with no result. Additional Resources: Zea The E Myth By Michael Gerber The 4-Hour Workweek By Timothy Ferriss __________________________ Quotes: "Success for me is when I can step back and see my team running the business on their own." —Hayden Brass "Move and make decisions fast so you won't get stuck on something." —Hayden Brass "If you don't do anything with the things you're learning, there's no point in doing too much." —Hayden Brass "One tool to grow a small business is having conversations with your team." —Hayden Brass "Focus on more important things, never waste your time." —Hayden Brass __________________________ Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Ari Galper, the Founder and CEO of Unlock The Game, a new sales mindset and approach that overturns the notion of selling as we know it today. The Australian-based consulting company has been helping thousands of sales, entrepreneurs, and business people around the world. Unlock The Game was founded in 2000 and has been available for over two decades. Ari's insights on how to build trust between buyers and sellers continue to break new ground in the sales industry. That's how he became the World's #1 Authority on Trust-Based Selling. He's the author of the popular business book called Unlock The Sales Game. Ari says that the core principle behind his approach is making his clients feel comfortable opening up to them and telling them what they stand for. By this approach, they find it effective in trust-building between buyers and sellers. Aside from its effectiveness in trust-building, they find it more profitable as more people come to trust them. This Cast Covers: Offering a new way of selling through an approach based on integrity and common sense. Learning a language that converts selling into a natural conversation between an entrepreneur and his prospect. Expert on trust-based selling, a new sales mindset, and approach that overturns the notion of selling. Started the movement of trust-based selling after figuring out how to unlock the game of selling and put trust in the sales process. Relating trust-based selling into a patient-doctor relationship. Teaching people how to build deep trust on the initial call with somebody or a zoom or phone call where they start to unpack the issue of their clients. Mapping out and providing different points in his book about trust-based language. Helping clients on how to unpack their issue and help them understand the impact of it, to own their problem for them to move forward. Additional Resources: Unlock The Game Unlock The Sales Game By Ari Galper Stump The Guru ………………………………………… Quotes: "You have to change your approach to match the psychology of the buyer today." —Ari Galper "Be authentic with people, have a model and a framework to focus on." —Ari Galper "It's not about how many contacts you make any more, it's about how deep you go in each conversation and how good you are at trust-building." —Ari Galper "The sale is lost at the beginning of the process, not at the end." —Ari Galper "Rejection is part of the sales game. If you can't take a no, if you're not tough enough, you're not made for success." —Ari Galper ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Kris Ward, the Founder of Win The Hour, Win The Day based in Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is a consulting business and together with her team, they help small business owners with time management and productivity. Crushing clients' demanding schedule is one of their targets to free clients from exhaustion but promising that their business profits remain growing. Win The Hour, Win The Day was founded in 2006. Kris started by herself and had a tough time during the first three years. As she got more clients, she grew her business as well as her team. Kris then has led authority in building a business by creating a team. For over 15 years in consulting, now a six-figure business with 8 FTEs. Kris describes success by saying, "Success is having a business that supports your life instead of consuming." She also added, "Success is really about having a quality of life, being able to take care of yourself, your vitality, and your family while enjoying your work." This Cast Covers: Helping small business owners be more effective with time management and productivity. Crushing clients' demanding schedules yet still growing profits and spending time on what's important in life. Helping clients create the freedom they desire through time management, productivity, outsourcing, and team building. With three proven steps to crush a demanding schedule, focusing on the team, time, and toolkits. Creating a business that supported their life instead of consuming it. Describing success as having a quality of life, taking care of one's self and vitality, having quality time with family while enjoying work. Teaching clients how they can progress and move toward their goal by letting their team manage and assist in propelling the business forward. Emphasizing that being a successful entrepreneur is all about getting ideas to execution. Additional Resources: Win The Hour, Win The Day The E-Myth Revisited By Michael E. Gerber Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly ………………………………………… Quotes: "Success is having a business that supports your life instead of consuming." —Kris Ward "Have a toolkit that allows you to purposely focus on anything you're doing." —Kris Ward "Your team should manage you and propel you forward, just like having a little motor on the back of your rowboat instead of you just paddling by yourself." —Kris Ward "Be more purposeful about going deeper instead of skimming things." —Kris Ward "We all make mistakes, so lighten up on yourself." —Kris Ward ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Raja Pagadala, the Founder and the Managing Director at The Final Step, a UK-based IT company, helping businesses and firms upgrade their IT. The company ensures that its clients' IT is generating growth and success on a daily basis. Raja loves helping professional services firms grow through the use of technology. The Final Step was established in 1987 when Raja was only 22 years old. He started and operated his business by himself, now working with the biggest businesses and companies as well as helping small businesses to grow. And from 1 FTE to around 20 for over 35 years. Raja has been witnessing the success of their clients and most of them still work with The Final Step. Raja said that being honest with their clients makes their business reliable. Clients trust them so much to do a good job. "Be honest. If a client is telling you something that is patently incorrect, you don't have to agree with them," he said. This Cast Covers: Helping small to medium-sized businesses with technology to achieve their business goals. Established in 1987, started by himself to around 20 FTEs now for over 35 years. Services include removing barriers to growth, improving productivity, solving IT problems, and protecting the business against the unexpected. Supporting professional services firms through better use of technology and extending security. Turning businesses around by transforming their IT capabilities. Helping clients to make an informed decision not to make the decision for them. Creating a service that provides the solution thus, the business exists to grow other businesses. The importance of looking for people with core values in the hiring process and their ability to learn is also needed. How being honest with your clients makes your business and company reliable. The importance of methodology in executing and adjusting business plans. Additional Resources: The Final Step Mindset By Carol S. Dweck Grit By Angela Duckworth ………………………………………… Quotes: "Be honest. If a client is telling you something that is patently incorrect, you don't have to agree with them." —Raja Pagadala "Accept feedback and do something about it." —Raja Pagadala "Do what you need to do, learn from the failures, and praise the effort, not the end result." —Raja Pagadala "Get into the habit of planning, executing, reviewing, and adjusting your plan." —Raja Pagadala "Go and find out what the demand is, adjust your offering and be consistent." —Raja Pagadala ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Leanne Haining, the Co-founder and Creative Director at Urban Rituelle, an award-winning manufacturer of bath, body, skincare & home fragrance products based in Sydney, Australia. Urban Rituelle is known for beautiful products, exceptional scents, signature packaging, and quality natural ingredients. Founded in 1999 by Leanne Haining & Scott Kelly, Urban Rituelle grew from its beginnings at the inner-city Sydney Market into a successful international business. Leanne's passion is to create a sustainable business with a philosophy of passion, kindness, care, and unsurpassed quality. Her 20 years of experience in the gift industry makes her the expert when it comes to gifting. Leanne says, "Surround yourself with amazing people who know more than you do and that are willing to help and share advice." If you want your business to grow, make it possible to learn from people who know more than you do. Learning from them is not a bad idea but helps you make better decisions. This Cast Covers: An award-winning manufacturer of bath, body care, home fragrance, and skincare which was established in 1999. Known for its exceptional products, high-quality formulations as well as beautiful packaging. A family-owned business for over 21 years in the gift industry and 100% Australian-made. Creating rituals that make people feel good is the first thing they value. Make sure that the experience with the brand and the company is exceptional. Started at the inner-city Sydney Market into a successful international business. Renowned as one of the market leaders in bath, body & home fragrance luxuries and has established distribution both in Australia and international markets. With the passion of creating a sustainable business with a philosophy of passion, kindness, care, and unsurpassed quality. Helping other businesses create extraordinary experiences with her 20-year experience in the gift industry. Additional Resources: Urban Rituelle Everything Is Figureoutable By Marie Forloe One Wild Ride ………………………………………… Quotes: "Make it unique and authentic, then you'll stand out from the crowd." —Leanne Haining "Allow the leadership team to thrive, make decisions, and do what they do best." —Leanne Haining "Set targets and goals with timelines and deadlines." —Leanne Haining "Surround yourself with amazing people who know more than you do and that are willing to help and share advice." —Leanne Haining "If you don't address the problems, they won't go away." —Leanne Haining ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

In this episode, I interview Angela Henderson, a Business Consultant and Coach at Angela Henderson Consulting based in Brisbane, Australia. They help women entrepreneurs and small business owners build a successful lifestyle business, creating 5-figure months & then onto 6/7- figure years without burning out. In 2016, Angela jumped out from being a mental health clinician to starting business consulting and coaching. They are now working with women all around the world and passionate about getting more wealth into the hands of women. When she became a business coach for women, she had 0 people in the online community but now has grown to over 10,000 people. Angela says that what she loves the most in growing a small business is seeing everyone grow. It doesn't necessarily just mean growing from a financial point of view but growing their confidence and that they have the ability to do what they want and create something for themselves. This Cast Covers: A business consultant and coach, helping entrepreneurs and business owners fast track their business success. Working with women all around the world and passionate about getting more wealth into the hands of women. Helping women get all the pieces in place to help them hit four and five-figure months, and then on six and seven-plus figure years without burning out. Working together to build strong foundations with startups and small businesses that are ready to grow. Building strong foundations through marketing and sales activities, systems, and mindset. The importance of working with a business consultant who has run a successful business dealt with and made mistakes. Guiding aspiring female entrepreneurs to have the courage, mindset, and foundations to build a successful business. A former mental health clinician, explaining the importance of checking individuals' mental health. Learning a long-term strategy in business is learning to get to know people as conversations lead to connections. Additional Resources: Angela Henderson Consulting The Go-Giver By Bob Burg Chill & Proper with Denise Duffield Thomas ………………………………………… Quotes: "You don't have to work hard, you just have to work smart." —Angela Henderson "It's important to know about hiring the right people for the right jobs and getting the right people on the bus." —Angela Henderson "At the end of the day, you are responsible for the outcomes in your life." —Angela Henderson "Learn to have conversations, conversations lead to connections." —Angela Henderson "There's more to business than just strategy." —Angela Henderson ………………………………………… Music from https://filmmusic.io "Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com. License: CC by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0