Making It Work

Welcome to this special bitesize episode of Making It Work. This is not a new episode but a collection of some of the best bits from our very first episode, where we discussed the important question: when should you start paying yourself? We talk to five entrepreneurs to get their advice on the delicate matter of paying yourself as a new business founder. You can listen to the entire episode over here

https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/making-it-work-podcast/when-to-start-paying-yourself.html

And if you want to know more about the entrepreneurs, or want to listen to other episodes, head over to fedex.com/makingitwork

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In a time characterized by constant change, we're reminded that we're always evolving as human beings. Certain life choices or big events can shape a person's life – and who better to testify to this than small business owners.

In Season 2 Episode 9 of Making It Work we speak to Casey Kelley of Blended Designs, Ebun Olaloye of Live Breathe Futbol, Mayra Hernandez of Back of the Yards Coffee Co., Paul Pallas of SWISCO and Kat Samardzija of Locker Lifestyle.

From believing in an idea to making it a reality, these five small business owners are no strangers to change. They share how entrepreneurship has impacted their lives.

Does the reward of a new venture outweigh the risk? And how do you grow as a person in the process? Tune in to find out.

The pressures of entrepreneurship can sometimes be too much to handle. No wonder then that small business owners often suffer with depression and anxiety. But are struggles with mental health an inevitability when you own a company? It's time to talk.

In Season 2 Episode 8 of Making It Work we speak to Mayra Hernandez of Back of the Yards Coffee Co., Paul Pallas of SWISCO, Dahlia Rizk of Buckle Me Baby Coats and Nik Hawks of Paleo Treats.

From daily anxiety attacks to contemplating suicide, four small business owners speak candidly about their depreciating mental health – and the steps they've taken to manage it.

So does the macho myth of entrepreneurship contribute to these feelings of hopelessness? Or do small business owners suffer the same as everybody else? Tune in to find out.

In an increasingly globalized world, it's never been easier for small businesses to reach new markets. So why do so many US entrepreneurs shun international sales to keep things ticking along at home? We're going to take a look at the realities of going global and how the rewards can offset the risk.

In Season 2 Episode 7 of Making It Work we speak to Manasi Gangan of Nested Bean, Casey Kelley of Blended Designs, Ebun Olaloye of Live Breathe Futbol and Paul Pallas of SWISCO.

From shipping internationally by accident to answering customer queries with Google Translate, we ask the entrepreneurs how they went about global expansion – and why it can take time for this strategy to become profitable.

So it is about time you translated your website into Spanish? Or should you just stick with sales to Canada? Tune in to find out.

When you're deciding which product to buy, online reviews are most people's first port of call. But what do small business owners think of the feedback?

In Season 2 Episode 6 of Making It Work we speak to Manasi Gangan of Nested Bean, Casey Kelley of Blended Designs, Dahlia Rizk of Buckle Me Baby Coats and Paul Pallas of SWISCO. From seeking out negative criticism to sending out thank you cards, we take a look at how you can use buyers' feedback to make long-lasting changes – and ultimately strengthen your relationship with customers. So should you be taking that one-star review to heart? And how do dissatisfied customers react when you give them a call? Tune in to find out.

When you're passionate about your product, the price tag can often come as an afterthought. But when you factor in marketing, manufacturing and those sometimes-fiddly customs fees, it's vital you think about your margin. Otherwise, you could be looking at a loss.

In Season 2 Episode 5 of Making It Work we speak to Mayra Hernandez of Back of the Yards Coffee Co., Casey Kelley of Blended Designs, Dahlia Rizk of Buckle Me Baby Coats and Kat Samardzija of Locker Lifestyle.

From setting a strict 80% margin to 'free' delivery that's not free, we discuss pricing strategies with the best payoff – and how it can all still go horribly wrong.

So can you still make a healthy profit without pricing out your customers? And who's been hit with a $44,000 shipping bill? Tune in to find out.

There are few words that get thrown around in the world of entrepreneurship as much as 'innovation'. And while for many, it brings about thoughts of Marie Curie and George Washington Carver, for small business owners being innovative is just one more way to survive.

In Season 2 Episode 4 of Making It Work we speak to Kat Samardzija of Locker Lifestyle, Casey Kelley of Blended Designs, Nik Hawks of Paleo Treats and Paul Pallas of SWISCO.

From throwing things out there to "see what sticks" to staff mediation and yoga classes, all of these entrepreneurs have different approaches to innovation. The thing they all agree on? It's do or die.

So what can you do to stay one step ahead of the competition? And will our entrepreneurs ever run out of ideas? Tune in to find out.

We thought it was time to give the Making it Work entrepreneurs a bit of a break. So as they catch up on calls and tweak their Ts & Cs, Tom chewed the fat with Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg.

In this Season 2 'Ask the Expert' special of Making It Work we ask Publicis Groupe's Jason Goldberg what the future holds for retail businesses.

Nobody could have seen COVID coming, but some coped better than others. While big-box retailers scrambled to streamline their online offering, small businesses were disproportionately disadvantaged in the race to adapt.

But as big companies struggle with their supply chains and service levels, changes in consumer behavior have created new opportunities for SMEs.

So how can entrepreneurs fill this gap? And who did Jason (not) say "I told ya so" to? Tune in to find out.

With online store builders like Shopify, it's never been easier to attract the mass market. But should you go all in with your own website or dip your toe in the water with Etsy or eBay?

In Season 2 Episode 3 of Making It Work we speak to Kat Samardzija of Locker Lifestyle, Ebun Olaloye of Live Breathe Futbol, Nik Hawks of Paleo Treats and Paul Pallas of SWISCO.

From creating cohesive customer journeys to handling knockoffs on marketplaces, this multigenerational set of entrepreneurs tell us what it's like running an online store – and how it's changed since the early aughts.

So should you splash out on that Shopify plan or carry on at that craft fair? Tune in to find out.

Working round the clock has always been a strong symbol of entrepreneurship. But does it do you and your business any good in the long term, or is it just a fast path to burnout? In Season 2 Episode 2 of Making It Work we speak to Dahlia Rizk of Buckle Me Baby Coats, Nik Hawks of Paleo Treats, Kat Samardzija of Locker Lifestyle and Mayra Hernandez of Back of the Yards Coffee Co. From breaking up your day into 30 minute chunks to fighting fires in the early hours, four small business owners discuss how they manage their precious time and whether you can ever stop thinking about work. So should you be packing boxes until bedtime? Or is it time to axe the agenda and start putting yourself first? Tune in to find out.