AmiSights: Financing the Future For Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, I found myself as the LIVE case study when an unexpected branding exercise unfolded in this episode with our guest, Deb Gabor. Deb Gabor is the founder and CEO of Sol Marketing, a strategy-led marketing firm. Known as the "branding queen," Deb and I talk about what companies should do, if anything at all, to respond to difficult topics such as the current crisis in Israel and Gaza.

"My hope is that we are going to help leaders navigate the thought process behind whether or not they should make a statement, and when," she said. "And if they do decide that they're going to make a statement, how to construct that in a way that serves them, other people, the community, their employees, and people at large serves in the right way."

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to take a stand on a sensitive issue. These include asking yourself if you have a dog in this hunt, and should you make a statement? How do you actually construct that statement in a way that doesn't put you in that awkward position of damned if you do, damned if you don't? Should you use your company as a platform for precipitating a change you want to see in the world? Who is your ideal archetypal customer?

Connect with Deb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgabor/

Recorded on 10/17/23

In today's podcast, we talk to Miguel Leal, who is widely regarded as the "Godfather of Mexican Cheese" in the United States. Miguel tells us how he moved to the U.S. from Mexico when he was a teen for an apprenticeship at a Wisconsin cheese factory. Although he didn't know the language, had no money, and had little education with a learning disability, his hard work and determination pushed him through the tough times and led him to build—and eventually sell—a very successful business.

"I took the opportunity, and I took it seriously. And I pushed because it was a lot of work. And sometimes I really didn't have money, and I didn't have credit," he said. "I had to figure it out without going to school. And I didn't have anybody to advise me. I was alone. You have to pay attention and be even more aggressive."

The main topics of today's episode will be Miguel's words of wisdom for entrepreneurs when they are struggling to get a business going and advice for those who have a hard time with traditional learning. We will also talk about how, often, the smartest person in the room is the quietest person in the room. BONUS: Learn the difference between Mexican cheese and American cheese.

Connect with Miguel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-leal-240676280/

Recorded on 8/31/23

In today's podcast, we talk to Dr. Laura Sicola, founder of Vocal Impact Productions and host of the podcast, "Speaking to Influence: Communication Secrets of the C-Suite." She explains why clear communication is vital, no matter who you are talking to or the situation.

"To me, the definition of public speaking is anytime you're talking to somebody other than yourself," she says. "So, it could be just a conversation with a coworker, it could be an interview like this, it could be a board meeting, it could be a conference talk. It doesn't have to be formal, it can be small and informal. But if you're trying to convey the genius in your brain and the passion in your heart, and get it across to somebody in a way that they get it, that's public speaking."

The main topics of today's episode will be what gets in people's way while trying to communicate and why being the best version of yourself, rather than trying to act like someone else, is always the best way to get through to your audience. We will also talk about how to keep people's attention by changing the volume and tone of your voice. And if you are a fellow podcaster listening, Laura will go into the importance of upgrading your computer's microphone, as it makes a world of difference. Connect with Dr. Laura Sicola: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola/ Check out Vocal Impact Productions: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/

Recorded on 8/25/23

In today's podcast, we talk to Dr. Jeff Cornwall, co-founder and CEO of Entrepreneurial Mind, LLC, and Professor Emeritus of Entrepreneurship at Belmont University, where he founded its entrepreneurship program in 2003. Shortly after retiring, Jeff was diagnosed with cancer last year, which changed his outlook on life. "I wasn't sure I was going to retire, but between COVID and Generation Z, I decided it was time to retire from my professorship, and I planned to be pretty active. The university hired me back to do a half-time consulting job on a new curriculum program. And I'm working on a new book and was working pretty much full-time once I retired," he says. "Then I came down with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which fortunately they caught early enough. But I guess that was the wake-up call. It was time to adjust my priorities a little bit." The main topics of today's episode will be what's working—and not working—in entrepreneurship education today. We will also talk about the state of mentorship for entrepreneurs, where the holes are, and Jeff's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs (hint: you don't know everything).

Connect with Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-cornwall-a45603/

Check out Entrepreneurial Mind: https://entrepreneurialmindllc.com/

Recorded on 08/21/23

In today's podcast, we talk to Winnie Hart, founder and Chief Strategic Engine of TwinEngine, a brand growth agency fueled by purpose, and best-selling author of the new release, "Stand Out as a Thought Leader." She tells us why she wrote this book and how it differs from other business books.

"We have such a massive opportunity to, especially as entrepreneurs and as business leaders in this world, to really be clear about what we stand for, and the difference we make in the world, and to find a way to share it with other people. And that's what the book is all about," she says. "I wanted to write a book that you actually do, and this book is structured to help people to actually do the work because thought leadership is practice."

The main topics of today's episode will be how living and working in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina taught Winnie how to be self-sufficient and prepared for future crises like COVID. We will also discuss how being your true self at all times will make you a better leader and how Winnie's journey in Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) since 2004 helped save her business and transform her thinking.

Connect with Winnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winniehart/

Check out TwinEngine: https://twinengine.com/

In today's podcast, we talk to Gabe Abshire, founder and CEO of Utility Concierge, a one-stop-shop for setting up utilities and home services—such as electricity, cable, internet, phone, and smart security—when moving into a new home. Gabe explains how he came up with the idea for the company and why it is of value to customers, real estate professionals, and service providers.

"We're going to save you time. We're going to talk to you, find out what you need and what you're looking for in the house, and we're just gonna say, 'here's your options, check, yes or no.' We go to work making all those connections and setting appointments so you don't have to do that," he explains. "We figure it's about a couple of half days on the phone, trying to set everything up. And we can do that in a 30-minute phone call, get everything taken care of for you."

The main topics of today's episode will be how the company goes up and down with housing demand and how the pandemic changed the business model from in-office to remote. We will also talk about how to retain strong company culture with employees working virtually.

Connect with Gabe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabeabshire/

Checkout Utility Concierge: https://utilityconcierge.com/

In today's podcast, we talk to Mac Lackey, a former professional soccer player and an entrepreneur who has built and sold six companies. Currently, Mac is mentoring entrepreneurs via ExitDNA, his exclusive program for founders and entrepreneurs who want confidence and clarity on the exact steps they need to take now to create the option for a successful exit in the future. He explains how his experience as an athlete prepared him for the business world.

"Whether it's entrepreneurship or traditional business, or whatever people pursue in life, what is required to achieve success in a sport at a high level is discipline, drive, and hard work. And if it's a team sport, it requires all kinds of interpersonal dynamics, dealing with others, and communication," he explains.

Mac talks about how he turned a frustrating experience with his daughter's soccer tournament into a company he eventually sold to NBC Sports. He stresses why it is crucial to surround yourself with team members who are aligned with not just your business goals but also your morals and ethics. We also talk about why entrepreneurs should bootstrap in the beginning and seek funding after creating something solid and what Mac considers before becoming an angel investor Connect with Mac Lackey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maclackey/ Checkout ExitDNA: https://exitdna.com/ Recorded on 07/06/2023

In today's podcast, we talk to Wendy Lieber, Co-Founder and CEO of ContentBacon, a subscription-based company that works with companies to help tell their story through all different types of tasty custom content. She explains how her company's niche is content storytelling.

"The best customers for us are companies that know who they are, know who they're trying to target, and utilize us to help tell that story in a compelling way," she explains. "I'm a big believer that most companies, if not all, usually have a very compelling story to tell. They're just usually doing it poorly or not at all. And we help solve that problem."

The main topics of today's episode will be how the subscription content model results in outsourced marketing for clients and how clients measure the effectiveness of her company's services, and whether or not everything has to be measured in order to be effective. We will also chat about how to use AI tools to be more effective and efficient, rather than replacing creativity and the story behind the name ContentBacon.

Connect with Wendy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendylieber/

Check out ContentBacon: https://www.contentbacon.com/

Recorded on 06/29/2023

In today's podcast, we talk to Mbasa and Sabu Siyaka, brothers who each run successful businesses in the township of Langa, about nine miles from the Cape Town City Centre in South Africa. Mbasa runs Mzansi Restaurant, which was started in 2008 by their parents, Nomonde and the late Vuklie Siyaka. Sabu runs Ubizo Events & Tours, which also started in 2008.

Ami visited Mzansi Restaurant while he was in South Africa earlier this summer for EO's global conference. While the restaurant and experience were great, the family and entrepreneurial spirit were what made it so special.

The Siyaka brothers tell us more about their community and what they learned from their parents.

"It's the oldest and smallest township with thousands of cultures," Sabu says about Langa. "Whenever we have celebrations, everyone sits together; no VIPs. We all respect one another because we believe that we breathe the same air, we got the same blood."

In today's episode, will talk about how word-of-mouth through social media and sites like Trip Advisor built their business after several years of operating at a loss. We will also talk about how learning every aspect of the business teaches an entrepreneur how to lead and how opportunities don't come to you, but rather you need to work hard and go out and find them.

Checkout their business below:

• Mzansi Restaurant: https://mzansi45.co.za/
• Ubizo Events & Tours: https://ubizo-sa.co.za/

Recorded on 06/23/2023 *Due to Mbasa and Sabu Siyaka experiencing unstable internet connection, there are moments where it has caused audio lag when streaming audio.

In today's podcast, we talk to Ian Meierdiercks, Founder and Chief Planner of IM Wealth Partners, a company he launched in 2003 to provide clients with financial planning and concierge services. He tells us how he takes a holistic approach to wealth management, considering all aspects of a client's financial life.

"There's all the things that I saw at my old firm that I thought could be done in a different way…I just put together a best hits and created something that now we call the financial concierge," he explains. "Everybody needs to deal with tax issues and estate planning issues and business issues and cash flow issues and investing and insurance, but no one usually has a team to do that. So, we quarterback that team and either bring in our own partners to do that outside of our core competency or we deal with theirs."

In this episode we will focus on why during rough times, you should stick with your plan and core business philosophies. We will also be evaluating how much risk you are taking as we get back near the highs and why you should understand your tax return and where the needle is moving. *Securities offered through SA Stone Wealth Management Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services offered through SA Stone Investment Advisors Inc. Recorded on 06/22/2023