In this episode of the Social Collectives Podcast, hosts Lisa Ann Adams and Aaron Sefchick interview Leslie Kane, the host of the Why Not Today podcast. They discuss the unique networking events Leslie organizes, the inspiration behind her podcast, and the importance of sharing personal stories. Leslie shares her journey of becoming a courage coach, helping others navigate overwhelm and build systems for success. The conversation highlights the significance of self-care, community support, and the impact of small actions in making a difference in people's lives.

Takeaways

• The Why Not Today concept encourages taking action without waiting for the perfect moment.
• Networking events can foster deeper connections beyond traditional elevator pitches.
• Perfectionism can hinder progress; it's important to start and learn as you go.
• Everyone has a story worth sharing, and those stories can inspire others.
• Courage coaching helps individuals build confidence and navigate challenges.
• Creating systems can alleviate overwhelm and improve efficiency in business.
• Self-care is essential for maintaining the ability to help others.
• Community support is vital for personal and professional growth.
• Small actions can lead to significant changes in someone's life.
• Living authentically can attract the right connections and opportunities.

Sound Bites

• "Where you start and where you finish are never the same place."
• "We lead ourselves before we lead anybody else."
• "You never know who is watching you, who you're making a difference in their life."
• "When you're living your life according to your values and being who you are and doing the things you love, then those things just happen."
• "Be brave and have the courage to say why not today?"

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Why Not Today Podcast
• 02:46 The Concept of Why Not Today
• 06:00 Inspiring Stories from Podcast Guests
• 08:54 Courage Coaching and Empowerment
• 12:09 Building Systems and Procedures
• 15:03 Navigating Overwhelm and Self-Care
• 17:58 Webinars, Courses, and Mastermind Groups
• 20:45 The Starfish Story and Making a Difference
• 24:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

https://whynottodaypodcast.com/

https://thesocialcollectives.com/

Tina Johnson, founder of CEO Consulting Group and the Women's CEO Business School, discusses her passion for helping women business owners build sustainable businesses. She shares her journey and the challenges she faced, including the impact of the pandemic on her event management company. Tina emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and mission, focusing on the client experience, and prioritizing tasks and time management. She also highlights the significance of self-care and maintaining a work-life balance. Tina offers a free work-life mastery worksheet to help business owners manage their personal and professional lives.

Sound Bites

"I wanted to figure out a way to help women business owners, micro small businesses."

"Focus on the client experience. If cash flow is the oxygen of your business, clients are the blood of your business."

"If you as the CEO are not taking care of yourself and making yourself a priority, you're not going to be good for anyone else."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:18 Building Sustainable Businesses

08:21 Vision, Mission, and Client Experience

18:09 Self-Care and Work-Life Balance

https://theceowoman.com/

https://thesocialcollectives.com/

Sally Miller, of Mailbox Power, discusses the power of personalized cards and gifts in building strong relationships with clients. She shares stories of how sending thoughtful cards and gifts has helped her business and touched the lives of her clients. Sally also introduces her new venture in selling pickleball-themed t-shirts. She explains the different membership tiers of Mailbox Power and highlights the importance of making people feel special. The conversation is filled with heartfelt moments and showcases Sally's dedication to making a positive impact on others.

Takeaways

Personalized cards and gifts can have a powerful impact on building strong relationships with clients.

Sending thoughtful cards and gifts can make people feel special and appreciated.

Mailbox Power offers different membership tiers that provide various benefits, including free cards and personalized gifts.

Sally's new venture in selling pickleball-themed t-shirts is an exciting opportunity to combine her love for graphics and passion for the sport.

Making people feel good and leaving a positive impression is key to building lasting connections.

Sound Bites

"Sending personalized cards and gifts is a no-brainer for building strong client relationships."

"Sally's new venture in selling pickleball-themed t-shirts is an exciting opportunity."

"Mailbox Power offers different membership tiers with various benefits."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Three-Year Anniversary

03:46 Sally's Journey and Inspiration for Mailbox Power

09:05 The Benefits of Personalized Cards and Gifts

13:49 Membership Tiers and Sending Personalized Cards

25:46 The Importance of Making People Feel Special

32:53 Sally's Involvement in the Ashburn Senior Center

38:51 Supporting Local Events and Charities

http://www.mailboxpower.com/sallymiller

https://thesocialcollectives.com/

In this episode of the Social Collectives podcast, the Lisa Adams and Aaron Sefchick interview Patrick Hocker, the owner of Bluebird Pest Solutions. Patrick shares his journey into small independent business ownership and emphasizes the importance of customer service in the pest control industry. He also discusses the challenges and difficult decisions he has faced as a business owner, including the loss of a team member. Patrick highlights the need for a customer-centric approach and building relationships with clients. He also gives a shoutout to two other local businesses, Tango Pastry Cafe and Elevated Concussion and Sports Rehabilitation.

Takeaways

Customer service is key in the pest control industry. Building relationships and prioritizing the needs of clients can set a business apart.

As a business owner, it is important to take care of your team and prioritize their well-being.

Difficult decisions and challenges are inevitable in entrepreneurship, but focusing on customer service and taking care of people can help navigate through them.

Creating a buffer space around the outside of your house can help prevent pests from entering your home.

When dealing with rats, it is best to call a professional immediately, as rats are intelligent and difficult to handle on your own.

Supporting local businesses and building a community network is beneficial for everyone involved.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Discussion about A Place to Be

06:45 Patrick's Journey into Small Independent Business Ownership

11:08 Bluebird Pest Solutions: Serving Commercial and Residential Clients

13:31 Prioritizing Customer Service and Building Relationships

27:16 Dealing with the Unknown as an Entrepreneur

32:59 Shoutouts to Local Businesses: Tango Pastry Cafe and Elevated Concussion and Sports Rehabilitation

38:38 Tips for Pest Control and Final Thoughts

https://bluebirdpest.com/

https://thesocialcollectives.com/

Sally Crosen and Misti Lorusso of Maid Brigade share their journey of managing a residential cleaning company, their commitment to community service, and the unique services they offer. They discuss their Maid Brigade Angels program, volunteer work, and the family-like environment they foster within their company. The conversation highlights their flexible and customizable cleaning services, their franchise model, and their dedication to providing exceptional customer service.

Takeaways

Maid Brigade's commitment to community service and volunteer work is evident through their Maid Brigade Angels program and support for local schools and nonprofits.

The family-like environment at Maid Brigade contributes to employee retention and a strong sense of loyalty and trust within the company.

Maid Brigade offers flexible and customizable cleaning services, including laundry service, post-construction cleaning, move-in/move-out service, and organization assistance.

Their franchise model allows for consistent and reliable cleaning services nationwide, with a focus on customer service and national recognition.

Sound Bites

"We've always been passionate about cleaning homes, but we realized that we could do so much more than cleaning."

"We've done a lot of out-of-the-box cleanings. I mean, we clean, but we can clean anything."

"We go into people's houses and we clean their house at no charge for four months in a row."

Chapters

00:00 The Maid Brigade Journey: Managing a Residential Cleaning Company

03:37 Community Commitment and Volunteer Work: The Maid Brigade Angels Program

08:29 Creating a Family Environment: Employee Retention and Loyalty

13:00 Flexible and Customizable Cleaning Services: The Maid Brigade Approach

15:18 Franchise Model and National Recognition: Maid Brigade's Nationwide Impact

https://www.maidbrigade.com/

https://thesocialcollectives.com/

Ilona Kirzhner of Hammer and Nails discusses her journey as a business owner in the men's grooming industry, highlighting the challenges, unique experiences, and membership-based concept of the brand. She also shares insights into the future expansion of the business and the special events hosted at the grooming shop.

Takeaways

The challenges of resourcing, retail, permitting, and taxes associated with being a business owner in the men's grooming industry.

The unique and luxurious experiences offered at Hammer and Nails, including the membership-based concept and the variety of services available.

The future expansion plans of Hammer and Nails, including the opening of new locations and the potential for partnerships with local businesses for special events.

The hosting of groomsmen events and the opportunity for buy one, get one offers for podcast listeners.

The significance of membership-based concepts in the modern economy and the impact of such concepts on self-care and grooming routines.

Sound Bites

"I have two hats I wear for Hammer and Nails. One is the franchisee of three open shops in Northern Virginia. And I'm also a, what we call an area developer for a five state region within the brand."

"100%. It's one of the biggest growth markets is men's grooming, whether product, tools, equipment, you know, taking care of yourself."

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Men's Grooming Business Owner

06:40 Luxurious Experiences and Membership-Based Concept

13:27 Future Expansion and Special Events

26:08 The Impact of Membership-Based Concepts on Self-Care

https://hammerandnailsgrooming.com/

https://thesocialcollectives.com/

In this episode, Aaron Sefchick and Tina Cross interview Cory Weaver of Health Markets about Medicare and insurance options for seniors. Cory shares his personal story of how he got into the insurance industry and his commitment to helping seniors navigate the complex world of Medicare. He explains the basics of Medicare, including Parts A and B, and the importance of enrolling at the right time to avoid penalties. Cory also discusses the different options for supplemental coverage, such as Medigap plans and Medicare Advantage plans. He addresses common misconceptions and myths about working with a broker and provides valuable insights for individuals approaching Medicare eligibility.

Takeaways

Enrolling in Medicare at the right time is crucial to avoid penalties.

There are two main options for supplemental coverage: Medigap plans and Medicare Advantage plans.

Working with a broker who represents multiple carriers can provide more options and unbiased advice.

Dental and vision coverage is not included in original Medicare and may require separate plans.

Part D prescription drug coverage is required and should be obtained to avoid late enrollment penalties.

Individuals with group health insurance should consider transitioning to Medicare when they turn 65, unless there are specific circumstances that make it more beneficial to stay on the group plan.

Seminars and one-on-one consultations with insurance brokers can provide valuable information and guidance for individuals approaching Medicare eligibility.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:25 Cory's Journey into Medicare Insurance

03:25 Understanding the Basics of Medicare

05:27 Choosing the Right Supplemental Coverage

08:43 Debunking Myths About Working with a Broker

09:41 The Importance of Part D Prescription Drug Coverage

12:36 Transitioning from Group Health Insurance to Medicare

15:23 Enrolling in Medicare and Part A Considerations

18:23 Medicare and Group Health Insurance

20:47 Signing Up for Medicare

23:07 Educating and Empowering Seniors with Medicare Seminars

25:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

https://corysinsurance.com/homepage-7846

https://thesocialcollectives.com/

In this episode of the Social Collectives podcast, Lisa and Aaron interview the owners of MW Burke Home Renovations, a trade company in Loudoun County. The conversation focuses on the struggles of being an entrepreneur and dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The guests share their personal experiences and offer advice for others who may be facing similar challenges. They also discuss their passion for home renovations and their dream of building homes from the ground up. The episode concludes with a discussion of their upcoming project with Washington commander Terry McLaurin and their rebranding efforts.

Takeaways

Being an entrepreneur comes with its own set of struggles, including dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

It is important to talk openly about mental health to reduce the stigma and create a supportive community.

Starting a business with limited resources is possible with determination and the support of friends and family.

Home renovations can transform a house and improve the quality of life for homeowners.

Collaboration and community support are key to success in the entrepreneurial space.

Overcoming social anxiety and attending networking events can be challenging but rewarding.

Seeking professional help and talking to a therapist can be beneficial for managing anxiety and depression.

Building homes from the ground up allows for creative freedom and customization.

Authenticity and community involvement can lead to exciting opportunities and collaborations.

Taking risks and pushing past fear is essential for personal and professional growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:18 Entrepreneurship and Mental Health

08:59 Home Renovations: Transforming Houses and Lives

13:38 Collaboration and Community Support

20:20 Taking Risks and Pushing Past Fear

22:16 Building Dreams: From Renovations to New Builds

26:35 Authenticity and Community Involvement

32:03 Exciting Opportunities: A Project with Terry McLaurin

35:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://www.mwburke.com/

https://thesocialcollectives.com/