In this episode of the GET BUSINESS SMART Podcast, Tony talks with Michele DeFilippo of Eleven Six Design about the world of publishing. Dive into the world of book publishing with Michelle DeFilippo, owner of Eleven Six Design, as she shares her insights from helping over 4,000 authors bring their books to life. Whether you're an aspiring author or an experienced writer, learn practical tips on publishing, marketing, and maximizing your book’s impact.In this 

TAKEAWAYS

• Michelle's journey helping authors publish and the importance of choosing the right publishing path
• The financial realities of traditional publishing versus self-publishing on Amazon
• How authors can avoid common pitfalls and red flags in the publishing industry
• The process of producing different formats: print, ebook, audiobook
• Effective marketing strategies and realistic expectations for new book releases
• The role of hybrid publishers and how to assess their value
• The impact of AI tools like ChatGPT and AI-generated audiobooks in modern publishing
• What to look for in a trusted author services company
• How to distribute your book widely using platforms like KDP and IngramSpark
• Tips for building an author career with consistent book releases

TIMESTAMPS 
00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Michelle DeFilippo 

02:10 - Michelle's long-standing experience in publishing since the 1970s 

04:20 - The realities of book sales and author expectations 

05:45 - Impact of publishing choices on earnings 

09:12 - Understanding traditional vs. self-publishing models 

12:52 - Effective marketing budgets and strategies for new books 

14:01 - The comprehensive publishing services offered by Eleven Six Design 

16:42 - The role of editing and managing the publishing process 

18:31 - Insights into ghostwriting and AI-assisted writing 

21:38 - Producing and licensing audiobooks 

22:49 - Best practices for audio narration and production 

25:02 - Common industry red flags and scams authors should watch for 

28:24 - Distributions platforms to maximize reach 

29:15 - The future of bookstores and online vs. in-store buying 

30:39 - How to connect with Michelle and access free resources

Resources & Links:

• Publish Like the Pros - Free Guide

CONNECT WITH MICHELE DEFILIPPO at Eleven Six Design | elevensixdesign.com

Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose.

Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

Discover the ins and outs of franchising with Chris Hilgers, a 15-year industry veteran, as he shares insights on why franchises offer a higher success rate compared to startups. Learn about the process of choosing the right franchise, understanding investments, and the support structures that help franchise owners thrive.

TAKEAWAYS

• The success disparity between franchise owners (80%) and startups (90% failure over 10 years)
• Why starting in the second base (franchise) is smarter than starting from scratch
• The importance of validation and talking to existing franchise owners
• The comprehensive process of screening, discovery, and measuring fit before investing
• How to evaluate franchise investment costs: from service businesses to brick-and-mortar options
• The role of support structures, including training, marketing, and real estate guidance, in franchise success
• Tips on assessing a franchise’s differentiation in the marketplace
• The significance of choosing a business aligned with personal interests and lifestyle goals
• Resources for continuous growth and learning, including Tony Robbins and Darren Hardy

TIMESTAMPS

 00:00 - Introduction to franchise success rates and why they matter

 00:40 - Comparing startups versus franchise success and starting at second base

 01:17 - The value of validation and talking to current franchise owners

 03:02 - The franchise selection process: screening and personal modeling

 04:48 - How to determine the right type of franchise for your skills and lifestyle

 06:12 - The importance of focusing and filtering options, not shotgun approaches

 07:10 - The FTC regulations and the disclosure process for franchisees

 08:33 - Benchmarking and evaluating franchise performance metrics

 09:02 - Scalability and long-term sustainability of franchise businesses

 09:28 - Validating franchise success and challenges with existing owners

 10:25 - The significance of visiting headquarters and discovery days

 11:28 - Franchise options: the variety of companies and opportunities available

 12:44 - Investment ranges in franchises: low vs. high cost options

 13:45 - Types of service and brick-and-mortar franchises, with examples

 15:08 - Support structures: training, marketing, real estate, and peer networks

 16:23 - The value of choosing franchises with well-developed support programs

 17:16 - The importance of business differentiation in competitive markets

 18:13 - Aligning franchise choices with personal fulfillment and interests

 21:13 - Support systems for franchise owners: ongoing training and infrastructure

 27:35 - Recommended resources for ongoing personal and business growth

 29:08 - How to connect with Chris and explore franchise opportunitiesResources & Links:

CONNECT WITH CHRIS HILGERS AT peakfranchising.com and podcast.peakfranchising.com

Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose.

Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

Alan Lazaros, co-founder of Next Level University, joins Tony Bradshaw for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build a thriving business and podcast from the ground up. From leading by example to tracking the right metrics, Alan shares the systems and mindsets that have helped him grow an engaged online community — and how you can apply the same principles to your own journey.

TAKEAWAYS

Consistency is key — keep evolving and never stop showing up.

Lead by example. Be willing to do what you ask of your team.

Track your metrics daily to stay aligned and avoid operational chaos.

Focus on high-value activities and let technology do the heavy lifting.

Build a community that values genuine human connection over automation.

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Introduction to Alan Lazaros and Next Level University

02:52 The challenges of starting a business

05:39 Leading by example in business

08:24 Managing a virtual team effectively

11:21 Tracking metrics for success

14:03 Building a cohesive business model

17:10 The value of community in podcasting

19:04 Starting your podcast journey

22:25 Building a personal brand through podcasting

25:06 Framework for success: goals and metrics

28:25 Embracing hard work and discipline

32:00 Recommended resources for growth

CONNECT WITH ALAN LAZAROS AT nextleveluniverse.com

Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose.

Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

Discover the secrets to buying, selling, and growing successful businesses with veteran broker Matt Uhler. Learn how to evaluate business value, structure deals, and diversify income streams for long-term financial resilience.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of exit strategies for small business owners
• How business valuation works, including key metrics like EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings
• Steps to prepare a business for sale to maximize its market value
• The role of multiples in business valuation and typical ranges
• Funding options for acquiring a business, emphasizing SBA loans
• Strategies for diversifying income through business ownership
• The impact of market disruptions, such as COVID-19, on business operations
• Building a portfolio of multiple businesses for risk mitigation and income stability
• The psychology of wealth and the significance of mindset in financial success
• Book recommendations: Think and Grow Rich and Rich Dad Poor Dad

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Matt Euler, business broker with 28 years of experience
 02:30 - What happens to businesses that don't transition to the next owner
 05:00 - Why business owners often leave their businesses to die or close
 08:20 - How to prepare a business for sale for better valuation
 10:45 - Understanding business valuation: EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings
 14:00 - The importance of asset condition and risk factors in valuation
 16:30 - Funding sources: SBA loans and typical down payments
 21:00 - Business multiples: typical ranges and how they’re calculated
 24:00 - Managing a portfolio of multiple businesses for diversification
 28:00 - Monthly oversight: analyzing financials and operational health
 32:00 - The significance of income streams for financial security
 36:00 - Risks in business ownership and lessons from market disruptions
 39:00 - The psychology behind wealth building and mindset shifts
 41:00 - Recommended books for developing wealth mindset

Resources & Links:

• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

CONNECT WITH MATT UHLER AT ampedsuccess.com

Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose.

Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

In this episode, Tony talks with Bruno Cignacco, author of The Art of Compassionate Business, about how integrating compassion into the workplace can boost profits, improve employee retention, and transform company culture. Discover practical ways to foster human-oriented leadership, develop strong relationships, and create sustainable, successful businesses through kindness and empathy.

TAKEAWAYS

• The true resource behind business success: humans, not just technology or capital
• How compassion fosters cooperation, psychological safety, and innovation
• The importance of understanding employees' emotional, mental, and social needs
• Practical strategies for building compassionate workplaces (e.g., cross-departmental meetings, social events, feedback culture)
• The scientific basis and measurable results of compassionate leadership
• The role of humility and active listening in fostering human-oriented leadership
• How aligning company mission with human and environmental values shapes culture
• The impact of compassion on employee turnover and company profitability
• Practical resources for adopting compassionate business principles

CONNECT WITH BRUNO CIGNACCO AT brunocignacco.com

Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose.

Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

What if your book could open doors that no business card ever could? In this episode of Get Business Smart with Tony Bradshaw, publishing expert and bestselling author Wiebke Tasch reveals the strategy, craft, and savvy behind turning an idea into a book that actually sells — and builds your brand for years to come.

Wiebke shares her fascinating journey from working as a PR professional in Germany to becoming a bestselling author and helping other entrepreneurs and thought leaders do the same. Her story is proof that writing a book isn't just a creative endeavor — it's one of the smartest business moves you can make.

The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of successful publishing: how to position your book in the right market, why your cover design can make or break your sales, and the critical importance of those first five days after launch on Amazon. Wiebke also tackles the modern author's toolkit, explaining how AI can be used to sharpen your manuscript without losing your voice, and why the layout stage is far more important than most first-time authors realize.

Beyond the tactics, Wiebke shares a powerful mindset shift — your book isn't the product, it's the calling card. It's the credibility builder that attracts clients, speaking gigs, and opportunities that no amount of advertising can replicate. For entrepreneurs and aspiring authors ready to stop overthinking and start publishing, this episode is required listening.

TAKEAWAYS

• Strategic positioning matters before you write a single word — understanding your market and niche determines whether your book finds its audience or gets lost in the noise.
• Cover design is a science, not just art — genre conventions and buyer psychology should drive every design decision.
• The first 5 days on Amazon are make or break — having a launch strategy in place before publication is non-negotiable.
• AI is a powerful editing assistant, not a replacement for a human editor — use it to catch what you miss, not to write what you feel.
• Your book is a long-term asset — a well-published book continues generating leads, credibility, and income long after launch day.

CONNECT WITH WIEBKE TASCH AT digital-authors.com

Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose.

Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

In this episode, I sit down with Derek Fredrickson, founder and CEO of The COO Solution, to dig into one of the most underutilized levers in business growth: fractional COO services. Derek brings deep experience helping entrepreneurs and small-to-mid-sized business owners build the operational infrastructure they need to scale — without the overhead of a full-time executive hire, and honestly, this conversation opened my eyes to just how much founders are leaving on the table.

Derek breaks down something I think a lot of us get wrong — the difference between the CEO and COO dynamic. The CEO is the visionary pulling the business forward, while the COO is the integrator making sure the engine doesn't fall apart at speed. He walks through the scaling challenges that trip up even the most experienced business owners, from communication breakdowns and accountability gaps to simply not having repeatable systems in place — and how a fractional COO can step in and change all of that.

We also spend a good chunk of time on AI and what it means for business operations right now. Derek's take is refreshingly direct — early adoption isn't just a competitive advantage anymore, it's becoming the baseline expectation. I loved his perspective on empowering your whole team with these tools, not just the folks at the top. We wrap things up with his framework for vetting business ideas before you go all in, plus some book recommendations I'm personally adding to my reading list.

TAKEAWAYS

• Fractional COO services give growing businesses access to senior operational leadership without the cost of a full-time executive hire — especially powerful for businesses in the $1M–$20M revenue range.
• The CEO is focused on vision and external relationships; the COO translates that vision into executable systems and manages internal operations.
• Delegation is a skill that must be developed — without it and clear accountability structures, growth stalls.
• Scaling requires repeatable systems and organizational structure, not just hustle. Build them before you need them.
• AI adoption is no longer optional — businesses that invest in AI literacy and implementation now will have a significant edge.
• The real operational gains from AI come from enabling entire teams to use these tools, not just leadership.
• Project management platforms are rapidly evolving with AI integration — reassess your tools and workflows regularly.
• Stress-test your business ideas before committing time and capital — fall in love with viability, not just the idea.

CONNECT WITH DEREK FREDRICKSON AT thecoosolution.com

Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose.

Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

This week on Get Business Smart, I talked with Jody Gruden, Fractional CFO anf founder of Summit CPA. What does it take to build a $10 million virtual CFO business from scratch? In this episode, we sit down with Jody Grundin, the pioneer widely credited with creating the fractional CFO industry, to find out.

Jody opens up about his early life challenges and the unconventional path that led him to entrepreneurship. From founding Summit CPA Group to scaling it into a multi-million dollar virtual firm, his story is proof that the right systems, the right team, and the right mindset can transform a small accounting practice into a thriving business.

TAKEAWAYS

• Why building a repeatable process is the single most important key to scaling a service business
• How hiring complementary partners lets you double down on your strengths
• The digital marketing and SEO strategies Jody used to consistently attract ideal clients
• Why a subscription-based billing model creates the predictable revenue every business owner craves
• How KPIs and financial forecasting can drive smarter, faster decision-making — even for small businesses

Whether you're an entrepreneur trying to get your finances under control or a service business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable CFO-level insights you can start using today.

"Measure from where you started, not just the goal." — Jody Grundin

CONNECT WITH JODY GRUNDEN AT summitcpay.com

Resources Mentioned:

• 🌐 Summit CPA Group
• 📖 E-Myth by Michael Gerber
• 📖 The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan

Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose.

Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

In this episode of Get Business Smart, Tony talks with Scott Curry, CEO of Faith Roar. Discover 5 essential insights from Scott Curry on achieving financial freedom. Learn how to take action and reshape your financial future today.

In today's world, the pursuit of financial freedom is more critical than ever. Why do so many people feel trapped in their jobs and unable to spend quality time with their families? In this blog post, we’ll explore the journey of Scott Curry, founder, and CEO of Faith Roar, as he shares his personal experiences and insights on achieving financial independence. By the end of this post, you will have actionable strategies to move towards a life where you control your time and finances.

About Scott Curry

Scott Curry is an entrepreneur on a mission to empower others to achieve financial freedom. With a background in finance and a wealth of personal experiences, Scott transitioned from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship. His journey is both inspiring and instructive, making him a credible source for anyone looking to break free from the confines of a 9-to-5 job.

CONNECT WITH SCOTT CURRY AT faithroar.com

Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose.

Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

In this episode of The Millionaire Choice Podcast, Tony talks with Max Emma, the CEO of Bookskeeping, about his remarkable journey from being an immigrant from the Soviet Union to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the United States. His story is not just about personal triumph but also about the strategic insights he gained along the way. Max emphasizes the importance of having robust systems and processes in place, which he believes are crucial for business success. By documenting procedures, businesses can save time and increase profits, a lesson Max learned through his experiences in franchising. He explains how franchise models can significantly reduce risks and enhance success rates, offering a structured path for entrepreneurs to follow. Max's insights into the critical role of bookkeeping and financial management highlight the need for businesses to focus on their core competencies while outsourcing other functions to drive growth.

In addition to sharing his personal story, Max delves into the concept of white-label bookkeeping, which leverages existing relationships to expand services. He provides practical strategies for identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities, drawing from his own experiences of unexpected pivots, such as starting a bookkeeping franchise. Max also offers valuable tips for managing finances, including real-time cash flow monitoring and quick resolution of discrepancies. His recommended business books, such as Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller and 10X is easier than 2X by Dan Sullivan & Ben Hardy, provide further guidance for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. Through his journey and insights, Max Emma inspires and equips listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of business growth and franchising.

TAKEAWAYS

• Max Emma shares his inspiring immigration story from the Soviet Union to the United States and how it shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
• The importance of systems and processes in business success—how documenting procedures can save time and boost profits
• How franchise models reduce risk and increase success rates—what it really takes to succeed in franchising
• The critical role of bookkeeping and financial management for small and franchised businesses
• Why focusing on core competencies (like bookkeeping) and outsourcing others can lead to growth
• The concept of white-label bookkeeping and how it leverages existing relationships to expand services
• Max’s recommended business books: Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller and 10X is easier than 2X by Dan Sullivan & Ben Hardy

CONNECT WITH MAX EMMA AT booxkeeping.com or booxkeepingfranchise.com

Resources & Links:

• Building a StoryBrand 2.0 by Donald Miller
• 10X is easier than 2X by Dan Sullivan and Ben Hardy
• Franchise with Max

Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose.

Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com