Join Paul Long and Tanya Mazurek, your lively hosts of SBA Today, as they bring you the latest in small business lending news, stories, and insights. In this Halloween-themed episode, expect a fun mix of costumes and serious discussions on the new servicing and liquidation SOP changes from the SBA, starting December 1st.

The duo also stresses the significance of creating connections and networking in the business world. In their episode for the week of October 28th, Paul and Tanya dive into the importance of personal branding for Business Development Officers and how an expansive network can open unforeseen doors. They also discuss the implications of the upcoming changes in the SBA's servicing SOP and how understanding these nuances can enhance a BDO's effectiveness. Additionally, they discuss topics such as the challenges of part-time business ownership and navigating businesses with perceived lack of competition.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a personal brand is invaluable for BDOs aiming to expand their professional network and grow their influence.
• The new SBA servicing and liquidation SOP will take effect on December 1st, focusing primarily on clarification rather than substantial changes.
• Understanding and interplay of the back-end processes like servicing and liquidation are crucial for BDOs to improve operational efficiency.
• Effective networking and making the right connections can significantly affect one's career trajectory.
• Misjudged ownership narratives, like working part-time or claiming no competition, warrant thorough scrutiny to assess genuine business viability.