• Ep. 63 - A Guide to Crisis Management
    2024/11/20

    Stumbling upon the story of a wealthy neighbor who seemed to have it all yet lived under constant stress, we question the true meaning of happiness and success. This episode promises to reshape how you perceive business crises, offering insights drawn from personal experiences and historical figures who turned failures into stepping stones for success. From the resilience shown amidst the personal and global challenges like COVID-19 to the agility small businesses exhibit compared to their larger counterparts, we unravel the complexities and opportunities crises present.

    Stepping into the world of entrepreneurship reveals unique dynamics between entrepreneurs. We navigate the delicate balance of personal earnings, lifestyle flexibility, and the broader goals of business scalability. Through engaging discussions, we emphasize the importance of clear communication, especially when dealing with personnel issues and toxic behavior in business. Our conversation underscores the necessity of documentation and decisive action, aiming to inform and empower business leaders to handle challenges effectively and fairly.

    As crises loom, whether from disruptive technologies like AI or unforeseen financial hurdles, we stress the importance of preparedness. Through strategic financial planning, investment in cybersecurity, and effective team management, we highlight how businesses can bolster their resilience. Our episode not only explores the nuanced journey of handling business crises but also invites you to engage with us at www.bigtalkaboutsmallbusiness.com, where a wealth of resources and opportunities for community interaction await. Join the conversation and stay connected for more insights on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business challenges.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    55 分
  • Ep. 62 - Payroll to Innovation: Jeremy Turley’s Journey in Business Transformation and HR Mastery
    2024/11/13

    What sparked the transformation of a small local business into a thriving enterprise on the Inc. 5000 list? Join us as we sit down with Jeremy Turley from TPC, formerly The Payroll Company, to uncover the strategic decisions and bold moves that steered their rebranding journey. Jeremy shares his experiences navigating regional differences and unexpected perceptions, emphasizing the critical role of regional adaptation and stellar customer service. Discover the secrets behind TPC’s expansion into new markets and why outsourcing payroll services could be the game-changer your business needs.

    Ever wonder how a colorful legacy akin to Mad Men's Don Draper might influence a career in management and HR? Dive into a narrative enriched with personal stories about overcoming workplace challenges and shaping company cultures. From the innovative use of AI tools in HR to the profound impact of population growth in the Northwest, our guest reflects on the evolving landscape of HR and the indispensable role of directors in mediating between management and staff. Listen to insights on creative hiring strategies and maintaining a workforce that truly mirrors your company’s culture and values.

    Experience the remarkable journey from a childhood in Kenya to a diverse career path in the U.S., highlighting the cultural transitions that marked this personal and professional evolution. Hear about the unique challenges and opportunities encountered while pursuing education at John Brown University and leveraging community connections to navigate a career spanning real estate to entrepreneurship. Whether it’s the lessons from an early digital venture like Go Pickle or the importance of hiring smarter individuals, the episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom on adaptability, creativity, and the power of a supportive network in any entrepreneurial journey.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    58 分
  • Quick Talk Special: The Best of Sy Kirby
    2024/11/06

    Get ready for a laugh-packed Quick Talk from Episode 44 with Sy Kirby!

    We've condensed all the best bits from our chat with construction guru Sy Kirby into a Quick Talk edition that's pure gold. Hear how childhood memories in Toronto shaped his multi-million dollar earthwork company, Sy-Con, and discover his unique (and hilarious!) approach to building a killer team.

    Sy spills the secrets on creating trust between designers and builders, plus shares top-notch marketing tips for subcontractors.

    This Quick Talk is jam-packed with actionable advice and laugh-out-loud moments. Whether you're in construction or just love a good success story, tune in for a dose of inspiration and entertainment!

    続きを読む 一部表示
    6 分
  • Ep. 61 - The Myths of Marketing
    2024/10/30

    Discover the truth about entrepreneurship myths and learn how to navigate the business world with ease. Ever wondered how some people manage to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed? Join us as we start with a touch of humor and dive into the intriguing personal stories, like how one of us hilariously learned about the COVID-19 pandemic during a Starbucks trip. We explore the balance between staying informed and staying focused, as one host shares his experience of avoiding the news for decades, while the other embraces a constant flow of information. It's an enlightening conversation on how overexposure to news might hinder progress and the vital need for adaptability, demonstrated by the recent downfalls of well-funded companies.

    Prepare to be inspired by the marketing genius of Procter & Gamble and their historical triumphs. We unravel how the company transformed byproducts into gold during the Civil War and revolutionized modern marketing. This episode goes beyond conventional wisdom, tackling misconceptions about marketing spend and revealing the true power behind effective strategies. From cost-effective door hangers to the art of niche marketing, we share real-world success stories that highlight the importance of creative adaptation and investment in marketing. We even dive into a personal anecdote of seizing unexpected opportunities with a global brand, emphasizing the critical role of emotional intelligence and relentless promotion in entrepreneurship.

    To wrap things up, we explore the human side of business, questioning the credibility of life coaches and advocating for genuine personal development through hard work and experience. Managing remote teams presents its challenges, and we share insights on fostering connection and communication to keep teams motivated and engaged. The episode concludes with an open invitation to join our vibrant community by sharing your questions and ideas. Your contributions could be featured in future episodes, enriching our shared journey in the dynamic world of small business.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 6 分
  • Ep. 60 - Embracing Aging and Wisdom: Transforming Business Growth Strategies
    2024/10/23

    Ever wondered how aging changes not just our bodies but our business perspectives too? Join us for an enlightening conversation as we explore how the fiery intensity of youth transforms into the wisdom of experience, reshaping our approach to work and life. We debunk the myths surrounding early retirement and underscore the vitality of staying engaged and innovative in one's career. Alongside personal stories of eye surgeries and shifting outlooks, we touch on the enduring entrepreneurial spirit of John D. Rockefeller, proving that persistence and creativity know no age.

    Discover the power of strategic action in business as we highlight the importance of staying connected with clients and customers. Real insights come from direct engagement, not just reports. We share why taking action is more crucial than over-planning, advocating for a strategy that evolves from real-world experiences and interactions. Emphasizing customer engagement and feedback, we argue that meaningful growth starts with selling and responding to client needs, ensuring that businesses remain relevant and dynamic in a rapidly changing market landscape.

    Optimize your customer journey and build robust relationships for sustained business growth. Learn how small, frequent feedback can prevent issues and enhance satisfaction, drawing lessons from the restaurant industry on providing exceptional service. We discuss the significance of investing in marketing as a growth strategy, understanding customer lifetime value, and the nuances of hiring the right team as your business scales. The episode wraps up with insights on community involvement and how demonstrating value fosters trust with clients and employees alike, giving you a holistic roadmap to navigating business growth challenges.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 2 分
  • Ep. 59 - Building a Restaurant Empire: Tom Gordon's Journey with Slim Chickens
    2024/10/16

    Join us for an insightful conversation with Tom Gordon, the visionary founder and CEO of Slim Chickens, as he reveals the secrets behind transforming a single restaurant into a booming empire of nearly 290 locations. Discover how Tom's commitment to quality and variety has allowed Slim Chickens to stand out in the bustling fast-food industry. You'll learn how maintaining a strong connection with customers and fostering a dedicated team culture are at the heart of his business strategy.

    Tom shares his entrepreneurial journey that took an unexpected turn into the restaurant world after a career in finance. Together with his high school friend Greg Smart, they embarked on a mission that would become a staple in Northwest Arkansas. Hear firsthand tales of perseverance, partnership, and the grit required to overcome the daunting challenges of starting and sustaining a successful business. From their first iconic location to the intricate balance of emotional and financial risks, Tom's story is a testament to the power of action and resilience.

    We also explore the ambitious international expansion of Slim Chickens, where Tom discusses the nuances of entering foreign markets while staying true to a simple, high-quality product. Gain insights into the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, from bold risk-taking to cautious decision-making, and the importance of learning from both triumphs and setbacks. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a beloved and thriving brand.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 1 分
  • Ep. 58 - Recognizing the Signs of Owner Burnout
    2024/10/09

    Remember the thrill of cruising in a souped-up 2010 Mustang or the nostalgia of a black Corvette? Join us for a journey through the exhilarating world of automotive memories and the unexpected perks of aging, like sharper distance vision after cataract surgery. With humor and nostalgia, we're sharing stories of driving adventures and a nod to the gator mccluskey move. We even reflect on our passion for car-related content, blending the joy of the past with the unpredictability of entrepreneurial life.

    As we navigate the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, discover the art of business pivots and the challenges of aligning a team with the visionary's path. From recounting the roots of entrepreneurship to addressing the critical issue of burnout, our conversation highlights the resilience required to thrive amidst challenges. Personal anecdotes reveal the frustrations of modern life, like password overload, while we explore soothing escapes found in simple tasks such as yard work.

    Finally, we focus on avoiding entrepreneurial burnout by maintaining engagement and passion. Learn strategies for handling micro-burnouts and the importance of staying active within your work. We also hint at our next guest, an impressive figure from a mature market, poised to bring fresh insights to our show. Stay connected with us for more engaging content, and don't forget to visit our website or LinkedIn page for updates and opportunities to contribute to future episodes.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 4 分
  • Ep. 25 - Steering through the Challenges of Family Entrepreneurship
    2024/10/02

    When the roar of an engine echoes the thrum of ambition, you know you're in for an enthralling story. Nick Kilgore, alongside brother Chris, took his childhood knack for flipping cars and parlayed it into the bustling hub of Market Auto. At just 23, Nick reflects on the echoes of his grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit, revealing how passion and tenacity have fueled their journey from humble savings to steering a family legacy on the tarmac of the used car industry.

    Our conversation takes a turn down the winding road of opportunity, examining the gears and sprockets of taking over a teetering dealership, infusing it with new life. Nick and I navigate the partnership dance, funding foxtrots, and the occasionally bumpy ride of intertwining personal spaces with business places. Listen closely as he shares tales of serendipitous connections, the undercurrent of readiness that runs through their venture, and the insight that every closed garage door might just be a gateway to a new alliance.

    Finally, brace yourself for a candid look under the hood at the realities of entrepreneurship. From the relentless hustle of managing multiple operations to the balancing act of family and business during life's unforeseen red lights, Nick's narrative offers a roadmap of resilience. As the Kilgores shift gears towards the future, they're not just selling cars; they're driving home the essence of hard work, the importance of rock-solid legal frameworks, and the unyielding spirit of a family business. Buckle up for an episode that's more than just talk—it's a journey through the life of a car entrepreneur.

    続きを読む 一部表示
    58 分