Today's episode of Basic Business Advice is a bit different.

In today's episode, we sit down and get to know Dan Owolabi, what makes him tick, and some lessons he's learned throughout his journey. Dan Owolabi is an author, speaker, and the Executive Director of Branches Worldwide. 

Pull up a chair and join the conversation!

Business: JTK, LLC

Owners: James Kirk

Age of Business: 18 months

Type of Business: Brand/Advertising

Employees: 1

Scenario: James started JTK because he had the ability to help other businesses and organizations capture their brand in creative eye-catching ways. And he has had some early success in acquiring local clients. Recently a large retailer saw James’ work and called to hire him for a big project. James knows this is going to take a lot of time and energy, and he isn’t sure what will have to his regulars if he has to dedicate all the time this project is going to require. On top of that, James is, at his core, an artist and not a business owner.  He has muddle thru thus far, but the business gets what time he has leftover, which usually isn’t his best time or a lot of it. James is uncertain about how to proceed with building his creativity into a business. The opportunity is presenting itself for him to not just be creative on a larger scale but also start building his personal income. What do you guys have to say to James?

What is it that drives us to build new things?

Why is it when we look at an old building, we see not what it is, but what it can be?

What is it about the entrepreneurial spirit that pushes us forward into what is next, instead of settling for what is? 

Today's episode of Basic Business Advice is a bit different.

In today's episode, we sit down and get to know Jordan Mullet and what makes him tick. He walks us through his journey of going from a door-to-door salesman, to sales manager, to escape room owner, and everything in between.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation!

Business: Solo, LLC

Owners: Ben Solo

Age of Business: 3

Type of Business: Consulting

Employees: 2

Scenario: Ben started his consulting business, hoping that he would plug into his community and be a resource. Ben has done such an excellent job with writing content that resonates with his community that he is swamped with requests to take on new companies, work with new entrepreneurs, do a podcast, write a book, on and on and on. And while Ben is excellent at helping others navigate challenges, he is stuck in an overwhelmed position with just his assistant to help. Ben has a slightly manic look about him as he sits down to coffee with you three. How do you help Ben find a way forward?

Business: A+ Retail

Owners: Alex Anderson

Age of Business: 8 years

Type of Business: Retail/Sales

Employees: 18

Scenario: Alex is exhausted. Not because the business is having difficultly, but because of Phil. Phil is the top salesperson for the company, but he is also the biggest energy drain for Alex and everyone else. Phil isn’t overtly antagonistic, but he constantly complains and has his hand out for more compensation and recognition. Alex would like to terminate Phil, but there isn’t a clear way to replace all of the sales Phil is generating. Alex looks stretched thin when you three sit down for a cup of coffee. Where do you start?

Ted wears many hats - too many hats. He is the owner, the head of sales, the head of finance, the head of marketing, and the head of HR, as well as the person who knows how to operate the processes and systems inside the business better than anyone else. He has created a business that is realizing moderate success, but he feels like he is so bogged down in operating his business that he cannot see what is next for it. He thinks he needs to work more hours and find better employees. He feels like no one is as dedicated and committed as he is. What do you say?

Sam wants to buy the local coffee shop and become "her own boss." Ignoring the difficult environment for the foodservice industry right now, what does Sam need to be thinking about as she looks at the business? How would you advise to evaluation and make the decision to buy the business?

Becky is getting ready to graduate college and needs advice about entering the workforce. Given the exceptionally competitive environment for jobs right now, her biggest question is how to make herself stand out to potential employers. As employers, employees, owners, and coaches, what kind of advice can you give Becky?

Business: Longshot, Ltd

Owners: Ed and Terry

Age of Business: 5 years

Type of Business: Software

Employees: 10ish (largely independent contractors)

Scenario: Ed and Terry had a dream of starting the next industry disrupter in their garage, and they had early success. Enough that they were able to court and convince some relatives, friends, and local community leaders to invest in their startup. While they were great designers, they were pretty lousy businessmen. They often found that they burned through the money they raised faster than they had “planned.” Longshot, Ltd was always on the edge of having no money, and more than a couple times the company had less than $100 to its name. Because of the infrequency of their ability to pay on time, they had a revolving door of independent designers. 4 years into this and Ed is starting to show the strain of constant pressure and Terry is getting fed up with the constant lack of capital. The product is receiving mixed early reviews but they can’t seem to get out of beta testing. The strain and tension are making them angry at each other and their communication is starting to breakdown. One of their investors has stepped in to see if this endeavor is worth saving. She has asked that the three of you sit down and talk to Ed and Terry about Longshot and see if you can give them the advice to heal their relationship, get their business on track, and move towards a full launch of the product. Where do you start?