Minding Your Business

Minding Your Business

By David Praet & Scott MerrittBusinessManagement
Download on the App Store

Minding Your Business episodes

  • Megha Success! Transforming Your Trauma into Triumphs (and Triathalons)

    Send us a text

    Megha Bradley: Transforming Trauma Into Triumph

     In this episode, we welcome Megha Bradley, an abundance and mindset coach with Higher Humanity. Megha shares her inspiring journey from childhood abduction and trauma to becoming a successful coach helping clients achieve personal and professional growth. She discusses her unique approaches, including human design and purpose identification, to align individuals and teams with their highest potential. Megha also introduces her involvement with the eWomen Network in Nashville and offers insights into maintaining work-life balance, the importance of physical health, and her upcoming sprint triathlon in Honolulu.

     00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:47 Megha's Early Life and Career Beginnings

    03:46 Challenges and Triumphs in Business

    08:15 Discovering Purpose and Overcoming Adversity

    15:15 Human Design and Team Dynamics

    24:01 Real-Life Examples and Impact

    28:37 Aligning Personal Values with Business Practices

    29:06 Real-Life Example: Business Pivot

    31:44 Building and Leading Communities

    38:11 The Importance of Niche Marketing

    40:04 Balancing Work and Personal Life

    45:02 Physical Health and Business Success

    48:26 Maintaining Relationships as an Entrepreneur

    50:29 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    https://meghasuccess.com/

    https://higherhumanity.com/ 

    https://www.ewomennetwork.com/chapters/572 

    55 min
  • Can Networking Help Your Business Grow?

    Send us a text

    Josh Minton: The Networking Maestro of Nashville

    In this episode, the hosts interview Josh Minton, a multi-faceted entrepreneur and insurance agent based in Nashville, Tennessee. Dubbed the 'most interesting man in Nashville,' Josh is an award-winning property and casualty insurance agent, philanthropist, t-shirt entrepreneur, and the founder of Connect Nashville, the largest networking group in Nashville. Josh shares his journey from being a Liberty Mutual insurance agent to creating a successful networking empire spanning multiple groups across Middle Tennessee. He emphasizes the importance of consistent attendance, the benefits of one-to-one meetings, and the value of building genuine relationships in networking. Additionally, Josh offers insights into his insurance business and encourages small business owners to leverage networking to elevate their businesses.

    00:00 Introduction to the Most Interesting Man in Nashville
    01:08 Josh Minton's Diverse Ventures
    01:34 Connect Nashville: The Networking Giant
    03:31 The Growth and Impact of Connect Nashville
    08:51 Networking Strategies and Success Stories
    12:00 Effective Networking Practices
    21:01 Building Relationships and Overcoming Challenges
    23:33 Addressing Networking Concerns
    23:49 Unexpected Networking Success Stories
    26:01 The Power of Networking Groups
    28:31 Effective Trade Show Strategies
    35:39 Networking Etiquette and Tips
    41:57 Insurance Insights and Networking Benefits
    45:35 Connecting with Josh and Final Thoughts

    [email protected]

    facebook.com/JDMintonHQ 

    linkedin.com/in/mintonjoshua

    48 min
  • Business Book Bonanza

    Send us a text

    Unlocking Success: The Power of Business and Motivational Books

    In this episode of 'Minding Your Business,' hosts David Praet and Scott Merritt dive into the transformative power of business and motivational books. They emphasize the importance of going above and beyond in your job to create opportunities for growth and development. 

    Books Discussed:

    How to Win Friends and Influence People

    The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

    Life is Tremendous

    What to Say When You Talk to Yourself

    Secrets of Closing the Sale

    Rich Dad Poor Dad

    54 min
  • You Need a Guide to Turbo Charge Your Business

    Send us a text

    The Importance of Vision in Business Success 

     In this episode of 'Minding Your Business,' we talk with Daniel Eisenbarth of Global Mind Dynamics. Daniel delves into the significance of having a clear vision for your business and discusses common issues faced by business owners, such as the lack of a defined vision and the impact it has on leadership, employees, and overall company culture. The episode emphasizes the need for a cohesive vision that the whole leadership team can buy into and how this vision influences key performance indicators and metrics. Listeners will gain insights into how establishing a clear direction can inspire both employees and customers and the potential challenges that may arise when implementing new cultural shifts. 

    51 min
  • Is Your Business Ready for Help from HR Experts?

    Send us a text

    Navigating HR Management and Compliance with Exodus HR

    In this episode, the hosts dive into the complexities of being an employer and the intricacies of HR management with Mike Robinson, co-founder of Exodus HR Group. They discuss common pitfalls employers face in compliance, the distinction between Professional Employer Organizations (PEO) and Administrative Services Organizations (ASO), and the importance of maintaining relationships in HR services. Mike shares the backstory of Exodus HR Group's founding, their approach for transparent and relationship-focused HR management, and how they've helped various clients navigate through HR challenges. The conversation also covers the technological tools Exodus HR leverages like UKG Ready, and the wider influence of government regulations and safety protocols in the business landscape. This episode provides valuable insights for small business owners looking to streamline their HR processes and stay compliant.

     00:00 Introduction to Employer Challenges

    01:03 Introducing the Special Guest: Mike Robinson

    01:23 Background and Formation of Exodus HR Group

    02:24 Understanding PEO and ASO Models

    05:46 Geographical Reach and Client Base

    08:18 The Origin of Exodus HR Group's Name

    12:06 Navigating Government Regulations

    15:27 The Importance of Relationships in Business

    20:55 Client Success Stories

    29:45 Technology and Services Offered by Exodus HR

    34:41 How to Get Started with Exodus HR

    35:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

     

    https://exodushrgroup.com/ 

    38 min
  • Payment Systems-Which is Right for Your Business?

    Send us a text

    Minding Your Business: Payment Solutions and Small Business Strategies

     In this episode of 'Minding Your Business,' hosts David Praet and Scott Merritt welcome Joel Truss from Paymentum to discuss pressing issues like rising costs and staffing challenges faced by small businesses. Joel shares insights into Paymentum's services, which include payment and communication solutions tailored for a range of industries. The episode also delves into trends like AI and kiosk solutions in optimizing business operations. Joel also touches upon his side business, Avenge Sports, highlighting the importance of sports in teaching business concepts to his children. The session wraps up with Joel's advice on effective communication, building a network of trusted experts, and recognizing employees to ensure business success.

     

    00:00 Introduction and Rising Costs

    00:39 Welcome to Minding Your Business

    01:24 Meet Joel Truss from Paymentum

    01:56 Joel's Background and Family

    03:49 About Paymentum and Its Services

    07:35 Challenges in Payment Solutions

    09:58 AI in Customer Service

    14:09 Operational Efficiency in Payments

    23:43 Future of Payment Solutions

    29:22 Joel's New Business Venture

    31:58 Final Advice and Conclusion

     

    Paymentum - https://www.paymentum.net/

    Text Bubble - https://txtbbl.com/

    [email protected]

    (615) 922-6000

    37 min
  • Optimize Your Website to Drive Sales

    Send us a text

    Is Your Website Optimized to Increase Sales in 2025?: 

    An Interview with John Waraksa

     In this episode, our hosts introduce John Waraksa, the founder of Sapphire Falls Web Design. John details his journey from a career as a chemical engineer to becoming a web designer. He shares insights into the importance of having a website for modern businesses, discussing various platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress. John also emphasizes the significance of SEO and adapting to new technologies, including AI. He provides practical advice for small business owners on when to seek professional help, and the benefits of investing in a well-optimized and secure website. Throughout the episode, John highlights the evolution of web design, the role of social media, and tips for ensuring long-term success for his clients.

     00:00 Introduction to Our Guest: John Waraksa

    00:32 John's Background and Career Journey

    01:50 Starting Sapphire Falls Web Design

    04:22 The Importance of Having a Website

    07:19 Choosing the Right Website Platform

    11:49 SEO and SEM: Getting Your Website Found

    19:16 The Role of AI in Web Design and Marketing

    22:01 Maintaining and Updating Your Website

    27:39 How to Work with John Waraksa

     

    John’s contact info:

    www.sapphire-falls.com

    Nashville-web.design

    [email protected]

    [email protected]

    linkedin.com/in/jdwaraksa

    Phone: 615.906.6844

    32 min
  • "Free" Employee Benefits to Attract Top Talent

    Send us a text

    Affordable Employee Benefits with Brandon Smith of Combined Insurance

     

    In this episode, hosts David Praet and Scott Merritt guide small business owners on the significance of employee benefits. They are joined by expert Brandon Smith from Combined Insurance, who shares insights into making employee benefits accessible and affordable. Brandon delves into his personal journey and the importance of supplemental benefits like accident insurance, critical illness coverage, and paycheck insurance. He offers practical solutions for small business owners to attract and retain top talent, boost productivity, and mitigate HR-related challenges, without incurring significant costs. Additionally, Brandon shares a special offer for the podcast listeners, underscoring the value of providing employee benefits to foster a thriving work environment.

     

    ·       00:00 Introduction and Hosts

    ·       00:22 Truth Bomb: Importance of Employees

    ·       01:41 Discussing Employee Benefits

    ·       02:24 Guest Introduction: Brandon Smith

    ·       03:25 Brandon's Background and Career Journey

    ·       08:35 Challenges for Small Business Owners

    ·       10:22 Supplemental Benefits Explained

    ·       11:53 Cost and Accessibility of Benefits

    ·       14:23 Role of Combined Insurance

    ·       16:36 Benefits of Offering Supplemental Insurance

    ·       19:31 No Medical Exams and Guaranteed Issue Options

    ·       20:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    ·       21:35 Boosting Productivity and Morale

    ·       22:05 Decreasing Workers' Compensation Claims

    ·       23:14 Eliminating Liability for Small Businesses

    ·       24:44 Financial Gains from Employee Benefits

    ·       25:19 Steps for Growing Businesses

    ·       28:18 Overview of Insurance Policies

    ·       31:14 Critical Illness and Cancer Coverage

    ·       34:31 Disability and Paycheck Insurance

    ·       36:46 Benefits for 1099 Employees and Solopreneurs

    ·       41:20 Special Offers for Business Owners

    ·       43:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

     

    www.combined.com

    [email protected] 

    47 min
  • Is Your Business Ready for Cyber Attacks?

    Send us a text

    Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Businesses: 

    Insights from Jim Hughes of Business Risk Solutions

     

    In this episode of 'Minding Your Business,' David Praet speaks with Jim Hughes, founder of Business Risk Solutions, about essential cybersecurity measures for small businesses. Jim shares practical tips on how business owners can protect themselves from cyber threats like ransomware and malware, the importance of strong passwords and regular vulnerability assessments, and offers free resources such as a cybersecurity assessment checklist and identity theft awareness tips. The conversation also delves into Jim's background, his experiences with cybercrime, and his mission to educate seniors on identity theft. Whether you're a new business owner or experienced entrepreneur, this episode provides valuable insights into safeguarding your business in the digital age.

     

    00:00 Introduction to Minding Your Business Podcast

    00:16 Meet Jim Hughes: Founder of Business Risk Solutions

    01:06 Jim's Early Life and Career Beginnings

    04:00 Journey into Cybersecurity

    05:25 The Growing Threat of Cybercrime

    08:04 Practical Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

    15:25 The Importance of Strong Passwords

    21:22 Advanced Security Measures: Biometrics and Authentication

    23:33 Monitoring and Vulnerability Assessments

    25:23 Understanding SOC and Business Vulnerabilities

    26:24 The Role of Insurance Agents in Cybersecurity

    27:30 Challenges in Cyber Liability Insurance

    29:56 Responding to Cyber Attacks

    33:31 Importance of Cybersecurity Budgeting

    36:23 Incident Response Planning

    37:12 Protecting Seniors from Cyber Threats

    38:15 Engaging with Seniors on Cybersecurity


    43:41 Special Offers and Final Thoughts

    Free Offers:

    CYBERSECURITY ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

    https://business-risk-solutions.kit.com/d06ed4644b


    https://www.businessrisksolutions.net 

    [email protected]
    Phone: (847) 710-1030

    48 min
  • Social Media for Small Business Success!

    Send us a text

    Building a Strong Brand with Chelsea McKinney of DigiBridge Media

    In this episode, David Praet and Scott Merritt discuss the importance of effective social media strategies for business growth with Chelsea McKinney from DigiBridge Media. The episode covers key points of building a brand, understanding your narrative, choosing the right social media platforms, and engaging with your audience. Chelsea shares her journey, insights on creating authentic content, and her experience in helping businesses overcome marketing challenges, while also offering a free social media graphic for podcast listeners.

    00:00 The Frustration with Ads
    01:02 Meet the Hosts: David and Scott
    01:31 Introducing the Expert: Chelsea McKinney
    02:08 Chelsea's Background and Journey
    03:48 The Birth of DigiBridge Media
    11:06 Challenges in Social Media Marketing
    20:24 Building Authentic Connections
    20:55 Measuring Results and Adjusting Strategies
    21:45 Identifying Ideal Clients
    22:24 Success Stories and Overcoming Challenges
    24:08 Handling Mistakes and Reputation Management
    26:00 Introduction to DigiBridge
    26:14 Customization and Authenticity at DigiBridge
    28:04 Working Process with New Clients
    31:15 Favorite Tools and Technology

    33:20 Proudest Accomplishments and Future Plans
    37:03 Final Advice and Conclusion

    https://www.digibridgemedia.com 

    https://www.thryv.com 

    https://www.canva.com

    https://www.monday.com

    40 min

About Minding Your Business

From the publisher's feed

*Minding Your Business* is the podcast dedicated to empowering small business owners on their journey to success. Hosted by industry veterans David Praet and Scott Merritt, each episode features…