Above The Business

In August 1949, 15 smoke jumpers deployed to Mann Gulch, Montana for what seemed like a routine wildfire. The situation quickly deteriorated—the fire spread faster than expected, moved uphill, and surrounded them. 13 firefighters tragically lost their lives.

The two survivors? They used an unconventional tactic that wasn't widely practiced: they started a controlled fire around themselves, allowing the main blaze to jump over them.

The Business Lesson

Sometimes we face situations far more challenging than anticipated—sudden team turnover, industry disruption, market shifts. The firefighters who clung to conventional methods didn't survive. The ones who embraced an unconventional approach did.

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About Above The Business

Above The Business empowers business owners to rise above the daily grind and embrace a higher way of business ownership. Join us every Friday as we help you build your business by design.

Subscribe & Connect

Don't miss an episode—subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join us on YouTube for exclusive content. Your support means everything to our team.

What Worked...Until It Didn't

Repeating successful actions works—until it stops working. Examples:

• Marketing channels that no longer deliver.
• Sales processes from 10 years ago that don't match how buyers purchase today.
• Team members who were once A-players but have slipped.
• Old ways of doing business that are now ineffective.

Your 2026 Reflection Questions

Continue: What worked in 2025 that you want to keep doing?

Stop: What old methods do you need to release? What worked in the past but no longer serves you?

Key Takeaway

Don't fight inevitable changes—lean into the opportunities they create. Be willing to adapt, rethink assumptions, and embrace new approaches. You'll emerge stronger than before.

The Reminder

This isn't about changing for change's sake. It's about having the wisdom to recognize what no longer works and the courage to try something new.

In this powerful Business Blueprint Series episode, Bradley sits down with Dave Curry, a real-deal business owner who opens up about his journey—the victories, the struggles, and the moments he almost walked away from his business. If you've ever felt alone in your entrepreneurial journey or questioned whether you could make it work, this conversation will remind you that you're not alone and that transformation is possible.

Dave shares the unfiltered truth about building a business, including:

• The gap between knowing and doing – Dave read the book but wasn't implementing it. Sound familiar? He breaks down what changed and how he finally made the shift from knowledge to action.
• The power of belief – Not just having someone believe in you, but having someone who believes for you when you can't believe in yourself. Dave reveals who played this role in his journey and why it matters.
• You are not your business – One of the most important mindset shifts for any business owner struggling with identity and burnout.
• Building the right team – How Dave learned to invest in people and create a team structure that allowed him to step out of the day-to-day operations.
• Mastering your numbers – Dave discusses how understanding and staying on top of his financials became a game-changer in his business growth.

Connect with Bradley:

1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

Register to join us at an upcoming Workshop or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About Above The Business

Above The Business empowers business owners to rise above the daily grind and embrace a higher way of business ownership. Join us every Friday as we help you build your business by design.

Subscribe & Connect

Don't miss an episode—subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join us on YouTube for exclusive content. Your support means everything to our team.

In this reflective episode, Bradley Hamner challenges listeners to step back from short-term thinking and consider their business and personal trajectory over the next decade. Inspired by MrBeast's viral "Me in 10 Years" video from 2015, Bradley explores why we tend to overestimate what we can accomplish in the short term while underestimating our long-term potential.

Connect with Bradley:

1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

Register to join us at an upcoming Workshop or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About Above The Business

Above The Business empowers business owners to rise above the daily grind and embrace a higher way of business ownership. Join us every Friday as we help you build your business by design.

Subscribe & Connect

Don't miss an episode—subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and join us on YouTube for exclusive content. Your support means everything to our team.

What would your "Me in 10 Years" look like? Share your thoughts with us and let's continue the conversation.

In this conversation, Dr. Nick Morgan breaks down the science behind effective communication and explores why traditional public speaking advice often falls short. From the neuroscience of trust-building to the challenges of virtual communication, Nick shares decades of insights on what it really takes to move people to action through authentic, embodied communication.

Great communication isn't about perfecting your technique or following traditional public speaking rules—it's about developing awareness of how you're being received and creating authentic connection through alignment between your words, body, and intent. As Nick emphasizes, the most powerful communicators are those who've learned to focus outward on their audience's experience rather than inward on their own performance.

This episode is perfect for business leaders, executives, and anyone looking to improve their communication impact and lead more effectively through authentic presence.

Nick is the author of multiple acclaimed books including Working the Room (Harvard, 2003), Trust Me (2009), Power Cues (2014), and Can You Hear Me? (2018) on virtual communication. His forthcoming book, The Embodied Voice, is planned for 2025. After earning his PhD in literature and rhetoric, Nick taught at UVA, Lehigh, and Princeton before founding his communications consulting firm, Public Words, in 1997.

Connect with Bradley:

1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

Join us at The Q1 Planning Workshop!

Most business owners hit January with good intentions and a loose idea of what they want to accomplish. By March, they're back in reactive mode, wondering where the quarter went.

Here's the thing: Q1 sets the tone for your entire year. If you don't have a clear plan going in, you're leaving your business growth to chance.

That's why Bradley is hosting a live Q1 Planning Workshop on December 9th at 10 AM CST.

This isn't another feel-good goal-setting session. We're going to roll up our sleeves and do the real work:

Financial Analysis & Planning – Review where you actually stand (not where you think you stand) and set revenue targets that make sense for your business.

90-Day Plan Design – Build a focused quarterly plan that moves the needle, not just keeps you busy.

The Clarity Organizer – Use this framework to translate your vision into actionable steps your team can actually execute.

You'll walk away with a concrete plan for Q1 that creates momentum for the rest of 2025.

When: Monday, December 9th at 10 AM CST

Investment: $25

Who It's For: Business owners doing $300K-$3M in annual revenue who are serious about growth

Click here to register: https://blueprintos.thrivecart.com/the-q1-planning-workshop/

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About the Above the Business Podcast

The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

In this powerful year-end reflection, Bradley explores the critical distinction between signal and noise in business—and how clarifying this difference can transform your 2026 planning. Drawing inspiration from Stephen Bartlett's Diary of a CEO and Kevin O'Leary's wisdom from his time at Apple with Steve Jobs, Bradley challenges listeners to identify what truly moved the needle in 2025 versus what just created distraction and complexity.

This episode bridges two complementary frameworks: the signal vs. noise concept and Dr. Ben Hardy's scaling principles from his latest book. Together, these ideas offer a powerful lens for simplifying your business and focusing on what actually drives results.

Connect with Bradley:

1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

Join us at The Q1 Planning Workshop!

Most business owners hit January with good intentions and a loose idea of what they want to accomplish. By March, they're back in reactive mode, wondering where the quarter went.

Here's the thing: Q1 sets the tone for your entire year. If you don't have a clear plan going in, you're leaving your business growth to chance.

That's why Bradley is hosting a live Q1 Planning Workshop on December 9th at 10 AM CST.

This isn't another feel-good goal-setting session. We're going to roll up our sleeves and do the real work:

Financial Analysis & Planning – Review where you actually stand (not where you think you stand) and set revenue targets that make sense for your business.

90-Day Plan Design – Build a focused quarterly plan that moves the needle, not just keeps you busy.

The Clarity Organizer – Use this framework to translate your vision into actionable steps your team can actually execute.

You'll walk away with a concrete plan for Q1 that creates momentum for the rest of 2025.

When: Monday, December 9th at 10 AM CST

Investment: $25

Who It's For: Business owners doing $300K-$3M in annual revenue who are serious about growth

Click here to register: https://blueprintos.thrivecart.com/the-q1-planning-workshop/

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About the Above the Business Podcast

The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

"I spend most days trying to figure out how to do as little as possible. That generally leads me to trying to find and convince the smartest people I can find to help me build the thing."

In this business owner spotlight episode, Bradley sits down with serial entrepreneur Graeme Barlow to discuss the blueprint for scaling businesses from $3 million to $30 million and beyond. Graeme shares his unconventional journey from selling video game items on eBay as a kid to building multiple eight-figure companies, including Iversoft, one of Canada's largest custom software development firms.

The conversation explores what it takes to transition through different business growth stages, why simplicity beats complexity in operations, and how the role of the founder must evolve as the company scales. Graeme offers candid insights on hiring smarter people than yourself, the "teenage years" of business growth, and his practical 3-1-90 vision-setting framework.

Graeme Barlow is a serial entrepreneur who has been building companies since childhood. He is currently a partner at Iversoft, one of the largest custom software development companies in Canada, which he has helped grow from a team of 6 to eight-figure revenue. Graeme has built two companies into eight-figure businesses, co-founded ProPet Software (servicing 5 million customers annually), and runs FounderLink, a community for scaling founders. He has invested in over a dozen companies personally and dozens more through funds, bringing extensive experience in SaaS, venture capital, and high-growth technology companies.

Connect with Graeme Barlow:

• Website: graemebarlow.com,
• Social Media: @GraemeBarlow (all platforms),
• Iversoft: iversoft.ca,
• FounderLink: Founder community for scaling entrepreneurs,

Register for The 2026 Annual Planning Workshop: https://annual.blueprintos.com

As we approach the end of 2025, it's time to start thinking about annual planning for 2026. In this solo episode, Bradley Hamner shares his proven framework for creating an annual plan that actually works. Whether you had a killer year in 2025 or you're ready to completely flip the script, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need to set yourself up for success in 2026.

When: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 10:00 AM Central Time

Duration: 3-4 hours

Cost: Completely FREE

Register Now: https://annual.blueprintos.com

Connect with Bradley:

1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About the Above the Business Podcast

The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

"He could build that system once, and he could ship it 2, 3, and 4 times. That is the value of not only systems and processes, but that's the value of stepping back for a second, getting above the business, thinking like an architect."

In this episode, Bradley breaks down a powerful concept: build once, ship twice. It's not just a catchy phrase—it's the difference between running around like a chicken with your head cut off and actually designing systems that work for you over and over again.

Through a real client conversation about marketing dollars and lead follow-up, Bradley reveals why most business owners are sitting on thousands of dollars worth of untapped opportunity. The problem? They're so focused on the next thing that they've completely forgotten about the leads they've already purchased.

If you're feeling the cash flow squeeze heading into 2026, this episode is your wake-up call. You'll learn how to leverage what you already have instead of constantly chasing what's next.

Action Steps

If this episode resonated with you, here's what to do:

1. Take inventory. Go into your CRM right now and calculate how many leads you've purchased over the last 30 days, 90 days, or even the last year. You might be shocked at what you find.
2. Choose your path. Are you going to keep telling your team to "work harder" without giving them a system? Or are you going to take a few hours to actually design the follow-up process?
3. Think like an architect. Grab a pen and paper (think in ink), go to a coffee shop if you need to, and design the 12-month follow-up system you actually want in your business. What would you want that process to look like?
4. Build it once. Create the system now so you can use it over and over again—not just for this batch of leads, but for every batch that comes through in the months and years ahead.
5. Get above the business. As you head into 2026, start thinking in terms of systems. How can you make things simple? How can you make them systematic? And then, how can you scale them?

Plan for a Great 2026

A great year starts with a plan—and it starts when you put yourself in the right environment with other business owners trying to do the exact same thing.

Join us for the 2026 Annual Planning Workshop—a completely free event where you'll design your business blueprint for the year ahead.

Register here: blueprintOS.com/assets (scroll to the middle of the page)

This is our fourth year hosting the Annual Planning Workshop, and it's going to be our best one yet.

Referenced Episode

Looking for more on this concept? Check out the episode: Make It Simple, Make It a System, Then Scale (released several weeks prior to this episode).

Register for The 2026 Annual Planning Workshop: https://annual.blueprintos.com

As we approach the end of 2025, it's time to start thinking about annual planning for 2026. In this solo episode, Bradley Hamner shares his proven framework for creating an annual plan that actually works. Whether you had a killer year in 2025 or you're ready to completely flip the script, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need to set yourself up for success in 2026.

When: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 10:00 AM Central Time

Duration: 3-4 hours

Cost: Completely FREE

Register Now: https://annual.blueprintos.com

Connect with Bradley:

1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About the Above the Business Podcast

The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

Anthony Iannarino returns to Above the Business for the first time in five years to discuss the evolution of sales, the impact of AI on the profession, and what truly matters in building high-performing sales teams. From his Sales Accelerator platform featuring 93 courses for salespeople to his perspectives on human connection in an increasingly automated world, Anthony shares hard-won wisdom on mastering the sales conversation and developing elite sales talent.

Connect with Anthony Iannarino

• LinkedIn: Follow Anthony on LinkedIn for daily insights on sales excellence
• Website: thesalesblog.com for articles, resources, and thought leadership
• Sales Accelerator: Access 93 courses for salespeople and 37 for sales managers at thesalesblog.com

Register for The 2026 Annual Planning Workshop: https://annual.blueprintos.com

As we approach the end of 2025, it's time to start thinking about annual planning for 2026. In this solo episode, Bradley Hamner shares his proven framework for creating an annual plan that actually works. Whether you had a killer year in 2025 or you're ready to completely flip the script, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need to set yourself up for success in 2026.

When: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 10:00 AM Central Time

Duration: 3-4 hours

Cost: Completely FREE

Register Now: https://annual.blueprintos.com

Connect with Bradley:

1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About the Above the Business Podcast

The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

As annual planning season approaches, it's tempting to fill your 2026 strategy with every exciting idea that comes to mind. But here's the truth: if Jeff Bezos had enough ideas to kill Amazon, you have enough ideas to kill your business too.

In this episode, Bradley breaks down why execution trumps ideation every single time, and how to build a 2026 plan that you'll actually implement—not just dream about.

Register for The 2026 Annual Planning Workshop: https://annual.blueprintos.com

As we approach the end of 2025, it's time to start thinking about annual planning for 2026. In this solo episode, Bradley Hamner shares his proven framework for creating an annual plan that actually works. Whether you had a killer year in 2025 or you're ready to completely flip the script, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need to set yourself up for success in 2026.

When: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 10:00 AM Central Time

Duration: 3-4 hours

Cost: Completely FREE

Register Now: https://annual.blueprintos.com

Connect with Bradley:

1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About the Above the Business Podcast

The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

"It's just too complicated. Just too complicated, which kind of comes when you are late to the game in planning, you don't involve your team, you don't check your assumptions, you don't have a plan in place."

Bradley shares his biggest annual planning mistakes from his early years as a business owner and walks through the exact step-by-step process he now uses with clients to create effective, executable annual plans. Plus, he invites you to join the free 2026 Annual Planning Workshop on December 2nd.

Register for The 2026 Annual Planning Workshop: https://annual.blueprintos.com

As we approach the end of 2025, it's time to start thinking about annual planning for 2026. In this solo episode, Bradley Hamner shares his proven framework for creating an annual plan that actually works. Whether you had a killer year in 2025 or you're ready to completely flip the script, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need to set yourself up for success in 2026.

When: Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 10:00 AM Central Time

Duration: 3-4 hours

Cost: Completely FREE

Register Now: https://annual.blueprintos.com

Connect with Bradley:

1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

Thanks to our sponsors...

Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

About the Above the Business Podcast

The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/