Business, Beer & BS with Mike & Blaine

You see them everywhere those punchy, memorable lines that can make or break a brand. Words that have the power to compel someone to take action. In this episode Mike and Blaine will explore what makes a slogan stick, from the simplicity of "Just Do It" to the genius behind "Think Different." Plus, we'll share tips on crafting your own slogan that packs a punch without sounding like corporate fluff. Tune in to discover how the right words can set your business apart and leave a lasting impression!

Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer: @freetailbrewing @hopbutcher

Mike: Freetail - 401K Pilsner

Blaine: Hop Butcher - Kielbasa King DIPA

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog, Baltimore Mike, CPA Larry Weinstein, Neighbor Pat, Courtney, and Jaqi York!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/THl_zEIWcpM

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

You see them everywhere those punchy, memorable lines that can make or break a brand. Words that have the power to compel someone to take action. In this episode Mike and Blaine will explore what makes a slogan stick, from the simplicity of "Just Do It" to the genius behind "Think Different." Plus, we'll share tips on crafting your own slogan that packs a punch without sounding like corporate fluff. Tune in to discover how the right words can set your business apart and leave a lasting impression!

Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! 

Featured Beer: @freetailbrewing @hopbutcher

Mike: Freetail - 401K Pilsner

Blaine: Hop Butcher - Kielbasa King DIPA

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog, Baltimore Mike, CPA Larry Weinstein, Neighbor Pat, Courtney, and Jaqi York!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/THl_zEIWcpM

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

In this episode of Mike & Blaine, we dive into the crucial post-event hustle every small business owner needs to master. You've spent time and money at that big conference, but now what? We'll share how to turn those handshakes into dollar signs, and answer the tough question: Are you following up or just fading into the background? Tune in to learn the ROI playbook that separates the pros from the no-shows!

Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!  

Featured Beer: @Paulaner @LeftHandBrewing

Mike: Paulaner - Oktoberfest Marzen

Blaine: Left Hand - Milk Stout Nitro

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors: Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog, Baltimore Mike, CPA Larry Weinstein, Neighbor Pat, Courtney, and Jaqi York!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ge08Lu89lZA

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

In this episode, Mike and Blaine dive deep into the concept of 'unknown unknowns' in business. Join us as we explore how these factors can catch even the most prepared entrepreneurs off guard. We'll chat about real-world strategies for dealing with hidden risks.

Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!  

Featured Beer: @PinthousePizzaATX @estbrew

Mike: Pinthouse Brewing - Electric Jellyfish NEIPA

Blaine: The Establishment - Chromesthesia Imperial Hazy IPA

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors! Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog, ‘Baltimore Mike,’ CPA Larry Weinstein, Neighbor Pat, and new sponsors Courtney and Neighbor Chris!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ua7eMCPWoIE

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

Not every idea an entrepreneur has is gold. In fact, most of them probably aren’t. So, before you start chasing every idea your cousin pitches you during Thanksgiving dinner, Mike and Blaine will discuss how to evaluate an idea. Believe it or not, it starts with the question: Is there a market for this? If there’s no market, there is no business. Tune in and learn how to evaluate a market so you can find your next million-dollar venture.

Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!  

Featured Beer: @dogfishheadbeer @belchingbeaver

Mike: Dogfish Head - Punkin Ale

Blaine: Belching Beaver - Peanut Butter Milk Stout

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors! Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog, ‘Baltimore Mike,’ CPA Larry Weinstein, Neighbor Pat, and new sponsors Courtney and Neighbor Chris!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pSwXmpx0xXw

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

In this episode, we’re asking the big question: why does it always take a birthday, funeral, or 

wedding to drag us back together? We dive into the curious case of how life’s chaos makes us forget our best pals until a cake, casket, or bouquet shows up. Let’s be real—we know we should catch up more, but somehow, we need a party or a eulogy to remind us. Join Mike and Blaine as we laugh, reflect, and maybe even make a pact to stay connected without waiting for the next big event.

Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!  

Featured Beer (this week it's whiskey for Mike’s B-Day!): @buffalotracedistillery @ardnamurchandistillery

Mike: Buffalo Trace - Traveller Whiskey

Blaine: Ardnamurchan AD

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors! Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog, ‘Baltimore Mike,’ CPA Larry Weinstein, and Neighbor Pat!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xgF5RryqZKA

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

It happened just this week. One of us rushed through a task only to end up dissatisfied and having to redo an entire project. I can’t tell you how often I have had a quick fix that turned into a fiasco. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about the cost of doing things right the first time and some tips, tricks, and traps to avoid potential disaster. Tune in to find if you should do it rushed or right!

Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!  

Featured Beer: @BellwoodsBrewery

Mike: Neighbor Pat’s Mango Wheat Ale

Blaine: Bellwoods Brewing - Shark Pool DIPA

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors! Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog, ‘Baltimore Mike,’ CPA Larry Weinstein, and Neighbor Pat!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XIpK4nj7kj4

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

From spark to start-up, have you ever wondered how people come up with ideas that they are willing to bet the farm on? Sometimes I look at business and think: why didn’t I think of that? Other times, you see genuine big brains solving some very complex problems. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we are going to dig into how ideas develop and are nurtured into livelihoods for generations. If you think you have an idea; don’t miss this episode.

Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!  

Featured Beer: @ShinerBeer 

Mike: Shiner 1909 Heritage Lager

Blaine: Trappistes Rochefort 10 Belgian Quadrupel

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors! Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog, ‘Baltimore Mike,’ CPA Larry Weinstein, and Neighbor Pat!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cgOeuRpSD-8

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

What type of customer are you?  Believe it or not, the type of customer you are directly correlates to the type of customer service you provide in your business. I bet that if you have terrible customer service, you might also be a terrible customer and vice versa. In this episode, Mike and Blaine talk about the parallels between customer traits and leadership styles in your business.   

Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!  

Featured Beer: @belchingbeaver @estbrew

Mike: Belching Beaver - Phantom Bride IPA

Blaine: The Establishment - Fuzzy Logic Imperial NEIPA

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors! Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog, ‘Baltimore Mike,’ CPA Larry Weinstein, and Neighbor Pat!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gIQ30Nfj9mk

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer

Show Notes:

In this episode, Blaine and Mike discuss the importance of good customer service and how it reflects on both the customer and the business owner. They share personal experiences of both exceptional and poor service, emphasizing the impact it has on their perception of the business. They also highlight the significance of communication and responsiveness in building strong customer relationships. 

The episode concludes with a mention of the Aura framework, which focuses on acknowledging, updating, resolving, and approaching customer issues. In this conversation, Mike and Blaine discuss the importance of treating customers well and the consequences of not doing so. They share personal experiences of dealing with difficult customers and explain their philosophy of going above and beyond for clients. They also introduce a new segment called 'Blaine's Shit List' where they will discuss businesses that provide poor service. The main takeaway is that businesses should prioritize customer satisfaction and avoid becoming disconnected from their clients.

Takeaways

• Good customer service is essential for building strong customer relationships.
• Acknowledging and responding to customer issues promptly is crucial.
• Effective communication and regular updates help in resolving customer problems.
• Approaching customers after resolving their issues ensures their satisfaction.
• Poor customer service can lead to negative perceptions and loss of business. Treating customers well is crucial for business success.
• Going above and beyond for clients can lead to positive word-of-mouth and repeat business.
• Businesses should avoid becoming disconnected from their clients.

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/

In this episode of Mike and Blaine, Mike Milan sits in for Mike Milan while Mike is stranded in Denver. Mike and Blaine dive into the oft-dreaded topic of RFPs. Are responding to Request for Proposals an effective tactic for business development, as Mike contends, or the greatest scourge on small businesses since they were invented by the devil, as Blaine contends? Tune in and find out!

Don't miss out on the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode!  

Featured Beer: @GuinnessBreweryBalt @omenbrewingyeg

Mike: Open Gate Guinness Brewery - Old Fashioned Inspired Ale

Blaine: Omen Brewing - Puca Extra Stout

Thanks to our Beer Sponsors! Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog, today’s guest host ‘Baltimore Mike,’ CPA Larry Weinstein, and Neighbor Pat!

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u2Tg3tfgKwM

Listen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.com

cashflowmike.com

dryrun.com

#mikeandblaine #smallbusines #cashflow #finance #beer #entrepreneur #craftbeer

Show Notes

In this episode of the Business Beer and BS podcast, guest host Michael Milan and co-host Blaine Bertsch discuss the topic of Request for Proposals (RFPs). They share their experiences with RFPs in their respective industries and discuss the challenges and strategies involved in responding to RFPs. They emphasize the importance of relationships, communication, and understanding the needs of the client when navigating the RFP process. 

They also touch on the fairness of RFPs and the impact of external factors such as supply chain resiliency and market conditions. The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about their friendly rivalry and the tradition of exchanging a decanter of whiskey based on the outcome of a football game. In this conversation, Blaine and Michael discuss the process of responding to Request for Proposals (RFPs) and share insights and tips for success. 

They cover topics such as the importance of understanding the RFP requirements, the value of building relationships with decision-makers, and the need to differentiate yourself from competitors. They also discuss the challenges of pricing and discounting, as well as the post-approval assessment and follow-up after submitting an RFP. Overall, the conversation provides valuable advice for anyone involved in the RFP process.

Takeaways

• Responding to RFPs requires careful reading and understanding of the specifications and requirements.
• Building relationships and maintaining open communication with all stakeholders can be crucial in the RFP process.
• The fairness of RFPs can be subjective, and the optics of fairness may not always align with reality.
• External factors such as supply chain resiliency and market conditions can impact the RFP process.
• Building relationships with decision-makers and key stakeholders can give you an advantage in the bidding process.
• Differentiating yourself from competitors by highlighting unique value propositions and addressing unasked questions can make your proposal stand out.
• Pricing and discounting should be carefully considered to ensure profitability and avoid a race to the bottom.
• Conducting a post-approval assessment and learning from both successful and unsuccessful bids can help improve future proposals.

Support the show

Catch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/