Pat Miller Show® Podcast

If you're just starting out, today's conversation is for YOU! We all have to start somewhere, but how exactly do you get that first paying client? What do you need to do to get started? How are you going to meet the right people? And more importantly, once you do, how are you going to get them to pay you?

Because you're just starting out, you are the business. There is no team to back you up and no team to promote what you have to offer. I'm sharing my strategy to finding your first client and then answering all the questions above. Hint: You'll need real pants!

Also on this episode:

• Revenue / Profit - Brent Halfwassen, Milwaukee's Small Business Coach, is delivering the tough stuff today. As boring as it sounds, looking and knowing your numbers won't kill you, but ignoring them will kill your business.
• Trademark / Branding - We discuss all things trademark protection with Carolyn Jahnke, founding attorney of Athena Legal Solutions. What can be trademarked? What's the process? And what is your obligation to your trademark once you've earned it? If it's not trademarked, your business and brand are vulnerable!
• Celebration / Public Speaking / Coaching - Jen Frey works one-on-one with leaders to understand the roadblocks that get in the way of their business. Jen is also a speaker and presenter, and challenged herself to get 12 paid speaking gigs in 90 days. Did she do it? And if so, how did she do it?

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea

Also, we want YOU on the Pat Miller Show. Sign up for your appearance now: https://www.patmillershow.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Bankable Events

Design a highly profitable, community building, brand boosting event for your small business with Bankable Events - even with no experience! Bankable events offers proven strategies for designing events that drive revenue. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/bankable

Bankable Events

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at...

Forget about defining your "why" or leaving an impact, the real measure of success is how much money your small business is making. Whoa! Did I just say that!?!

Though making a difference is a noble goal, let's get real about money! "Why's" have a place, but it's okay if the money in the bank is your motivation. It's okay to have the hard work you're putting forth make a difference to you and your family. And it's okay if your short and long-term goals for your small business benefit you FIRST!

Also on this episode:

• Sales / What's Working Right Now - Mary Nunaley, co-founder of Lavender Dragon Team. Mary and her team have created a gamified shopping experience for their customers giving them the opportunity to comparison shop based on their budget. And the results have been amazing!
• Procrastination / To-Dos / Priorities - I check in with Andy Weins, entreprenuer, veteran, speaker, and author to discuss the pieces of the business we often avoid. Why do we avoid them? Andy breaks it down and helps us learn to overcome our to-do lists.
• Celebration / Growth / Business Building - After 9 years in business and some personal hiccups, Megan Schwan, Founder and CEO for Sidekick Accounting Services is celebrating a thriving company that has grown from a one-woman show into a business with 8 employees! Find out what she learned along the way by stretching herself to learn new skills.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea

Also, we want YOU on the Pat Miller Show. Sign up for your appearance now: https://www.patmillershow.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Bankable Events

Design a highly profitable, community building, brand boosting event for your small business with Bankable Events - even with no experience! Bankable events offers proven strategies for designing events that drive revenue. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/bankable

Bankable Events

Choices Coaching & Consulting

This episode is sponsored by Choices Coaching & Consulting. Krista Morrissey and Choices Coaching & Consulting build leaders in your small business so you can grow faster. Learn more: https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/choices

Choices Coaching & Consulting

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Sidekick...

What does it take to be a great leader? Even if you don't have any employees or even a contractor this episode is still for YOU! Learn what it takes to be a great leader and how to network your way into great relationships. What do you need to say? What are the behaviors you should do? And what behaviors should you avoid? In this episode, Pat helps you narrow down your "elevator pitch" or personal brand, and get clear about who you are and what you do.

Also on this episode:

• Leadership / Growth - Are you ready to be a great leader for your team? Cori Fonville Foster, CEO of IROC Marketable Business Solutions, shares the importance of servant leadership. When you learn to lead yourself, you'll be much more prepared to lead a team.
• Fitness / Wellness / Priorities - Building a small business is more than just making money, it's a lifestyle! Today, we have Hally Brooke, CEO of Live Nourished Coaching back with us to discuss how entrepreneurs can learn to balance business success with their health and wellness.
• Celebration / Clarity - Let's celebrate those wins! As Chief Believe Officer for Believe Crew, Jaime White's job is to help coaches get clarity on their businesses and then support them all along the way from finding their specialty to turning that speciality into a business. Today, Jaime is celebrating the clarity she has found in her own job and how that is helping her be an even better business coach.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea

Also, we want YOU on the Pat Miller Show. Sign up for your appearance now: https://www.patmillershow.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Choices Coaching & Consulting

This episode is sponsored by Choices Coaching & Consulting. Krista Morrissey and Choices Coaching & Consulting build leaders in your small business so you can grow faster. Learn more: https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/choices

Choices Coaching & Consulting

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at...

It's debate time. What do you call yourself? Do you call yourself a small business owner? Do you call yourself a founder? Do you call yourself a CEO? Do you call yourself an entrepreneur? Some people HATE one of those titles, they think you're "full of it" when you use it. Pat shares his observations of this common debate in online forums. It might change what you think!

Also on this episode:

• Profit First / Money Management / Small Business Financing - Paying yourself first is one of the strategies Mike Michalowicz teaches business owners in his book, Profit First. We talk with Rocky Lalvani, a Profit First professional, who explains why the system is important to cover tax payments and to pay yourself.
• Speaking / Keynotes / Presentations - There's a piece of you that would like to be leading the conversation through a keynote presentation. Pat interviews Amber Griffiths, the Maker of Legends, who provides the secret to becoming a keynote speaker and a more confident presenter.
• Networking / Business Strategy / Community - The business landscape is changing once again. Pat reviews the benefits of doing business virtually and in-person.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea

Also, we want YOU on the Pat Miller Show. Sign up for your appearance now: https://www.patmillershow.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Bankable Events

Design a highly profitable, community building, brand boosting event for your small business with Bankable Events - even with no experience! Bankable events offers proven strategies for designing events that drive revenue. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/bankable

Bankable Events

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Choices Coaching & Consulting

This episode is sponsored by Choices Coaching & Consulting. Krista Morrissey and Choices Coaching & Consulting build leaders in your small business so you can grow faster. Learn more:...

Email marketing / Small Business Email Marketing, it works...if you do it the right way. You're missing a huge opportunity if you're not using email marketing to get in front of your fans and contacts. In this episode, Pat shares what he has learned about using email marketing and he breaks it down to simple steps you can steal to install a killer email newsletter. In less than 10 minutes you can be on your way to making more sales!

Also on this episode:

• Small Business Marketing / Improving Your Marketing - We spend two segments with the woman that literally wrote the book on Small Business Marketing - Lisa Raebel of Rebel Girl Marketing. Her new book - "The Rebel Girl's Guide to Marketing - Stop Committing Random Acts of Marketing" is out now. It's almost TOO GOOD and has everything you need to know to help you grow. During our interview, we talk about the basics of marketing and storytelling. Then, we switch into how to ask for the sale so you can GROW.
• Small Business Branding / Personal Branding - Plus, a Small Business Celebration with wardrobe stylist and speaker Elisa Ellis. We are celebrating her move from one state to another - she shares how she got it set up so quickly. We also dig into personal branding how you can unlock your potential when your personal brand fits who you really are.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea

Also, we want YOU on the Pat Miller Show. Sign up for your appearance now: https://www.patmillershow.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business lawyer from start up to legacy creation. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/legal

Athena Legal Solutions

Bankable Events

Design a highly profitable, community building, brand boosting event for your small business with Bankable Events - even with no experience! Bankable events offers proven strategies for designing events that drive revenue. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/bankable

Bankable Events

Choices Coaching & Consulting

This episode is sponsored by Choices Coaching & Consulting. Krista Morrissey and Choices Coaching & Consulting build leaders in your small business so you can grow faster. Learn more: https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/choices

Choices Coaching &...

If you feel like you don't have enough time in the week and you can't get everything done then this episode is for you. Odds are you haven't ever analyzed HOW you work. Not what you do, HOW you do it. Are you still playing by corporate's scheduling rules of Monday-Friday 8am-5pm? Are you taking meetings during your peak production hours? Are you taking too MANY meetings? In this episode Pat shares his secrets to make you more productive while working LESS.

Also on this episode:

• When you get a chance to give your elevator pitch you MUST make it count. Precious L. Williams, the Killer Pitch Master shares how to get attention and create a line of people who can't wait to talk with you.
• End Email Overwhelm. If you're currently drowning in email, Jennifer Buchholz from Excel and Flourish is here to help you. How can you setup your email to work for you and process what needs to get done without losing control.
• I gave a TEDx and it was a great experience. I thought I'd share what I learned going through the process. I learned more about my mission and I learned some things the hard way while preparing for the talk. If you're a speaker or aspiring speaker, don't miss this segment.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to collaborate with you to solve problems and capture opportunities? Check out the international problem-solving small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea

Also, we want YOU on the Pat Miller Show. Sign up for your appearance now: https://www.patmillershow.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Bankable Events

Design a highly profitable, community building, brand boosting event for your small business with Bankable Events - even with no experience! Bankable events offers proven strategies for designing events that drive revenue. Learn more at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/bankable

Bankable Events

Choices Coaching & Consulting

This episode is sponsored by Choices Coaching & Consulting. Krista Morrissey and Choices Coaching & Consulting build leaders in your small business so you can grow faster. Learn more: https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/choices

Choices Coaching & Consulting

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Athena Legal Solutions

Small business legal doesn't have to be complicated. Say hello to peace of mind. Athena Legal Solutions is your personal business...

This one is FUN. For the first time on-air, we're doing a live Idea Slam Brainstorming session. An Idea Slam is a session to solve problems or capture opportunities inside the Idea Collective Small Business Incubator. Basically, the community rallies to help you when you need it most. On the show, I interview an entrepreneur and create ideas for them live without a net. It's my favorite thing to do and thank you to Paul Warloski for coming on the show to talk about delegation and focus. Because we're talking about feedback and brainstorming, I thought I'd share a few tips and tricks on how to give feedback someone might actually listen to and use. It's easy to give feedback and it's hard to give feedback in a way that people will embrace.

Also on this episode:

• Alcohol is everywhere in the small business culture. Happy Hours, a glass of wine after work, bottles of bourbon raffled off at events - it's all over. What is your relationship with alcohol? When's the last time you thought about it? Katie Janecko joins us to talk about a hot button topic.
• If you want to build your relationships with clients and colleagues you must give them something to hold on to - YOUR STORY! Amy Collette joins us to talk about the power of telling your story and how it will help you make stronger connections and enhance your network.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to answer your questions, pick you up when you're struggling and celebrate when you're winning? Check out the international small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator with a 30-day free trial: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea

Also, we want YOU on the Pat Miller Show. Sign up for your appearance now: https://www.patmillershow.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

Choices Coaching & Consulting

This episode is sponsored by Choices Coaching & Consulting. Krista Morrissey and Choices Coaching & Consulting build leaders in your small business so you can grow faster. Learn more: https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/choices

Choices Coaching &...

I'm not going to tolerate the disrespect for Small Business Owners and on this episode, I stand up for us. I was "motivated" (read: triggered) by a tweet that claimed how great it is that "Wharton MBA students are going to bypass Wall Street and open a boring small business in any town, USA." The tweet and its replies went on to reassure everyone that if only this group of geniuses could open small businesses then we'd all see the US economy explode. I'm all for brilliant operators and heck yeah it would be great to welcome this group more frequently to our ranks. But, the attitude and inference that current small business owners are "less than" or in need of being saved set me off. So, enjoy the rant in segment one.

Also on this episode:

• Every small business owner gets overwhelmed and burned out from time to time. We talked with Dawnell Kelly from Auxly Help to learn how she helps her clients organize and prioritize their tasks to get it all down WITHOUT the burnout.
• Need to promote an event? In the Idea Collective Small Business Incubator we took over an Idea Slam to brainstorm 30 non-traditional places to promote your next event or offer. This segment will help you expand your audience and get butts in seats!
• Sure, you network, but do you go beyond "Know, Like, and Trust" to building real influence with your connections? Chris Dyer of Chris Dyer Consulting shares how to build deeper connections during professional networking.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to answer your questions, pick you up when you're struggling and celebrate when you're winning? Check out the international small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator with a 30-day free trial: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea

Also, we want YOU on the Pat Miller Show. Sign up for your appearance now: https://www.patmillershow.com.

I'm repeatedly asked about how to grow a small business. The answer I repeatedly give is to niche down your product and target audience. Doing fewer things for fewer people can lead to higher rates, more demand and faster authority. On this episode of the show, we talk with Jennifer Rundell of Rundell Redesign who niched her business and saw big results! She'll share how she did it and what you can expect if you do it, too.

Also on this episode:

• AI is here to save you time & money - Pat is blown away by the time saving and potential money making effects of AI in small business. Pat shares a few programs you need to check out RIGHT NOW including Descript the stunning audio and video editing software.
• Social media strategy made easy - social media can feel like a chore, but, Abbey Harrison of Assist for the Win explains how to build a winning social strategy in super-clear and unique way...You've never heard it expressed like this before.
• Do good and do good business - Entrepreneur David Belman of Belman Homes shares how he leads an amazing charity building homes for wounded vets along with managing a multi-million construction firm. It IS possible to make a difference and a living.

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to answer your questions, pick you up when you're struggling and celebrate when you're winning? Check out the international small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator with a 30-day free trial: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea

Also, we want YOU on the Pat Miller Show. Sign up for your appearance now: https://www.patmillershow.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Choices Coaching & Consulting

This episode is sponsored by Choices Coaching & Consulting. Krista Morrissey and Choices Coaching & Consulting build leaders in your small business so you can grow faster. Learn more: https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/choices

Choices Coaching & Consulting

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com

If you're looking to sell more in 2023 you're probably making the same mistake as most other entrepreneurs. You're not spending enough time prospecting, pitching and closing new leads. On this episode of the Pat Miller Show, Pat talks with sales expert Susan Trumpler to learn just how much time each week we should spend on pitching new business - the answer will surprise you and you'll know just how much more work you need to put in on this essential process.

Also on the show:

• Breakthrough idea shared with Pat about how to radically grow your business by reframing HOW you think about your business - You're a marketing firm that offers X. Amazing stuff.
• Explode your revenue by switching from one-to-one offers to one-to-many offers! How to incorporate group programming in your business w/ Rhonda Noordyk - Women's Financial Wellness Center
• Design tips for more effective thumbnails and social media graphics w/Amy Pierquet - Waterfront Graphic Design

Tired of working on your small business all by yourself? Wish you could have allies and partners willing to answer your questions, pick you up when you're struggling and celebrate when you're winning? Check out the international small business community that is working together to beat the odds and achieve their small business goals: The Idea Collective Small Business Incubator with a 30-day free trial: https://ideacoachmedia.com/idea

Also, we want YOU on the Pat Miller Show. Sign up for your appearance now: https://www.patmillershow.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Sidekick Accounting

This episode is sponsored by Sidekick Accounting. Sidekick is your trusted companion as you grow your small business that effortlessly handles the finances. Now an official Profit First Provider! Contact with Sidekick Accounting at https://pat-miller-show-podcast.captivate.fm/sidekick

Sidekick Accounting Services

Welcome to the Pat Miller Show

The Pat Miller Show is a nationally syndicated radio show exclusively for small business owners. Our mission is summed up by our slogan: "Don't Grow It Alone." Welcome to the mission! Learn more at https://www.ideacollectiveincubator.com