Small Business Answer Man

As the President and Founder of InnerAction Media, an award-winning marketing and branding agency, Jim Matuga has been helping companies simplify, clarify, and amplify their brand messages for over 35 years. Jim has a proven track record of delivering cost-effective and strategic solutions to clients across various industries, using his expertise in High-Quality video production, inbound marketing, PPC campaigns, social media management, and website development.

What problem do we solve?

They help small business owners create more effective marketing messages by using storytelling techniques. They offer practical tips for crafting engaging content, building relationships with customers, and cutting through the noise in a crowded marketplace.

Small Business Answer Man Show Notes:

• Effective storytelling helps businesses connect with customers on a deeper level, fostering loyalty and trust.
• The customer is the central character in the marketing story. The business acts as the guide, helping the customer overcome challenges and achieve their desired outcome.
• Genuine storytelling is more effective than scripted or generic content.
• AI can be used to assist with content creation, but it should not replace human creativity and judgment.
• Video can be a highly effective way to tell stories and capture attention.
• Before creating a story, define what you want to achieve. Are you trying to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or drive sales?
• Understanding your target audience is essential for crafting a story that resonates with them.
• Avoid overly complex or convoluted stories. Keep your message clear and concise.
• Images and videos can enhance your story and make it more engaging.
• Track the performance of your storytelling efforts to determine what’s working and what’s not.

Jim Matuga Advice for Leaders:

• There are many different ways to tell a story. Try case studies, testimonials, blog posts, and other formats to see what works best for your audience.
• Storytelling can be a powerful tool for building relationships with customers. By sharing your brand’s story, you can connect with customers on a personal level and foster loyalty.
• Social media is a great platform for sharing stories. Use storytelling to create engaging content that will capture your audience’s attention.
• Track the performance of your storytelling efforts to determine what’s working and what’s not. This will help you to refine your approach and improve your results.
• If you’re struggling to create compelling stories, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to help you improve your storytelling skills.

Connect with Jim Matuga:

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Leslie Shreve, Founder of Productive Day® and creator of Taskology®, enhances workload management and productivity for C-level leaders and professionals. With over 20 years of experience, she helps clients regain hours in their workday and reduce email time significantly.

What problem do we solve?

Leslie Shreve addresses key productivity challenges for small business owners. She highlights the issues of inefficient task management and the drawbacks of using outdated paper systems. Shreve advocates for centralizing tasks in a digital system, prioritizing important activities, and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Her advice includes setting clear action dates and protecting time blocks to enhance productivity and reduce stress. She aims to help business owners become more organized and efficient.

Small Business Answer Man Show Notes:

• With so many responsibilities and deadlines, entrepreneurship may be stressful, especially around the end of the year. Effective time management is essential to juggling work and personal obligations.

• Leslie Shreve, the developer of Taskology and the founder of Productive Day, wants to lower stress levels and help people discover hidden time to boost productivity.

• Managing chores across several platforms, such as paper, planners, emails, phone calls, texts, and social media, is a common time waster that can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

• Instead of utilizing paper, centralize tasks into a single digital system to get around this. Microsoft, Google, Asana, Trello, and Todoist are a few of the well-known programs.

• Create a thorough list of all the assignments, initiatives, and concepts in the digital system. Divide work into manageable, smaller steps to prevent feeling overburdened.

• Pay particular attention to what has to be done and when. This method aids in making wise choices regarding how to use one's time.

• Prioritizing tasks that affect the bottom line is crucial for small business owners to avoid becoming bogged down in less crucial duties like managing emails excessively.

• Leslie highlights the inefficiency of managing tasks with outdated paper systems.

• She advocates for centralizing tasks in a single digital system and emphasizes prioritizing important activities to focus on high-impact tasks.

• Leslie suggests breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and setting clear action dates and recommends protecting time blocks to enhance productivity and reduce stress.

• Her aim is to help business owners become more organized and efficient.

Leslie Shreve's Advice for Leaders:

• Don't just put chores on your calendar. Manage tasks independently instead to keep an accurate picture of your actual time obligations and accessible windows of time.

• Set up specified time slots for finishing assignments and answering emails. This aids in workload management and keeps work from interfering with personal time.

• Establish a time-blocking strategy to protect your calendar. Establish precise rules for how often you should complete things each day and how to handle unforeseen problems.

• Establish dependable routines and habits to boost output. Wholesome systems that incorporate every facet of the workday are more efficient than piecemeal ones.

• Schedule some wiggle room so you can deal with unforeseen circumstances and rearrange priorities as necessary.

• Avoid working long hours on the weekends and at night. Make sure the way you organize your workday promotes productivity without taking away from personal time.

• Long-term success depends on your ability to sustain your productivity strategy with discipline and consistency.

• Rather than depending on discrete tools or recommendations, select and adhere to a comprehensive technique that handles duties, time management, email processing, and information handling.

• Establish a clear strategy to increase productivity and decrease the need to look for shortcuts or productivity hacks.

• To avoid burnout and dissatisfaction, try to establish a productive work environment that also permits you to keep a healthy work-life balance.

Connect with Leslie Shreve:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

YouTube

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Michael Barbarita has owned retail, manufacturing and service companies over the last 40 years.  He is the Author of the Book "Powerful Business Strategies" and Host of an Iheart Radio show of the same name.

What problem do we solve?

Michael solves the problem of lead generation and conversion for small business owners. He provides practical advice and strategies to help businesses attract more high-quality leads and effectively convert them into paying customers.

Small Business Answer Man Show Notes:

• Being an entrepreneur can be demanding because there is never enough time to do everything.
• Despite obstacles, it is possible to achieve balance and success in business.
• Michael Barbarita talks about how to generate great leads and turn them into paying clients.
•  
• Steps of the Conversion Formula:
• Captivate: Create a headline identifying the customer’s problem.
• Fascinate: Engage with the solution they can’t find elsewhere.
• Educate: Detail how the problem is solved.
• Offer: Make a compelling offer using:
  • Scarcity and Urgency
  • Risk Reversal
  • Adding Value
  • Packaging and Bundling
  • Indifference to Outcome

• The conversion formula is essential for business differentiation.
• "I Hope So Marketing," which makes general statements that don't set the company apart, is a common marketing problem.
• Emotional factors are the first and rational factors are the second targets of effective marketing.
• Position of Market Dominance is attained by drawing customers in and holding their interest.
• It is possible to avoid being merely another price-based decision by using the conversion formula.
• Differentiation requires a dominant market position.
• Dominance in the market demands work and an organized 13-week program.
• begins with comprehending the customer's avatar to determine their issues.
• A compelling customer avatar makes a company stand out and support higher prices.
• Putting the 80/20 rule into practice and concentrating on high-impact tasks is essential for both revenue development and time freedom.
• Owners of businesses should concentrate on developing original tactics rather than copying rivals.
• In addition to offering free downloads of the book, Next Step CFO does interviews for it.
• To dominate the market, Michael Barbarita stresses the significance of differentiating your firm.
• Seven-Step Pathway to Profit Formula:
  • Quality Leads: Generate high-quality leads.
  • Conversions: Focus on conversion rates within the sales process.
  • Closing Rates: Increase the percentage of leads converting to customers.
  • Client Retention: Retain and add value to existing clients.
  • Average Dollar Per Sale: Enhance the average revenue per sale through additional products or services.
  • Frequency of Sale: Increase the frequency of sales to existing customers.
  • Cost Management: Manage both fixed and variable costs efficiently.

Michael Barbarita's Advice for Leaders:

• Steer clear of ambiguous statements like "best service" or "highest quality," as they don't provide any value to your company. Instead, to differentiate yourself from the competition, use a targeted and distinctive marketing strategy.
• Employ the techniques of enthrallment and amazement to establish a solid position of market supremacy. This lets you stand out from the competition by addressing certain consumer issues and offering customized solutions.
• Create a thorough customer avatar to pinpoint their particular issues.
• Instead of trying to outwit rivals, concentrate on what makes you unique.
• Focus on the 20 percent of your endeavors that provide 80 percent of your outcomes.
• Customize your solutions to meet the needs of each consumer so that you can provide greater value.
• A distinctive value proposition will allow you to charge more for your goods or services.
• Make a name for yourself in your industry by standing out from the competition.

Connect with Michael Barbarita:

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LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

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Ed Meek, CFP  is the founder and CEO of Edge Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor firm that exists to provide small business owners with confidence, freedom, and hope about their financial futures. Ed’s passion is providing holistic financial planning and customized solutions that fit the unique life situation of entrepreneurs and give them a plan to achieve the lives they have only dreamt about. After more than a decade as a financial adviser for a retail branch of Fidelity, Ed founded Edge Financial Advisors in 2005 intending to work with fewer clients more comprehensively and effectively. Today, he has built a team currently helping more than 300 clients thrive financially. Ed is on a mission to help over 1,000 people achieve financial well-being in the next 5 years.

What Problems Do We Solve?

Ed offers advice on financial diversification, thorough planning, and smart investment to help business owners overcome the difficulties they encounter in managing their finances. He highlights how crucial it is to have a well-organized financial strategy, comprehend the advantages of defined benefit plans, and get ready for business exit tactics. Ed also offers advice on keeping a long-term investment perspective and using professional assistance to help you make wise financial decisions.

Small Business Answer Man Show Notes:

• Join this episode to talk about financial planning tactics for small business owners with Ed Meek, a Certified Financial Planner and the founder of Edge Financial Advisors. Customized planning is how his firm assists clients in achieving financial assurance and independence.
• Beyond the business itself, Ed highlights the importance of diversity. He tells a sobering story of tech boom investors who lost money because they weren't diversified enough. Owners of businesses shouldn't get their entire riches from their venture.
• Defined benefit plans are introduced by Ed as a useful tool for planning for retirement and reducing taxes. 
• In contrast to standard 401(k) plans, larger tax-deferred contributions are permitted in defined benefit plans which can greatly increase retirement savings.
• Ed talks about financial management and investing techniques following a company sale. When receiving a lump sum or installments over time, it's important to reduce taxes and make long-term financial security plans.
• Ed cautions against basing financial decisions on the results of upcoming elections or brief changes in the market. Successful investing requires long-term investment plans as well as emotional self-control.
• Ed emphasizes how crucial it is to have a financial planner or coach. They ensure that business owners are not overwhelmed by handling every part of their finances alone, provide specialized guidance, and assist in navigating complex financial landscapes.

Ed Meek's Advice for Leaders:

• Create a thorough strategy with a financial planner that addresses both short- and long-term objectives. This involves being aware of retirement programs and tax tactics.
• A defined benefit plan can be an effective tool for high incomes. Compared to conventional 401(k) plans, it permits larger contributions and can drastically lower taxable income.
• If you intend to sell your company, think carefully about how you will handle and allocate the proceeds. Investigate strategies to reduce taxes and improve your financial situation after the sale.
• Discover the dangers of placing all your eggs in one basket, such as your business, and discover smart diversification strategies.
• Learn about effective tax-saving techniques that can help you save thousands of dollars and hasten your retirement, such as the less well-known Defined Benefit Plan.
• Recognize the value of financial planning for both your personal and professional life to prevent having to start over in the event of unanticipated events.
• Learn strategies for navigating market volatility, particularly in unpredictable periods like election years.

Connect with Ed Meek:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

YouTube

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Adam Goldman is a franchise consultant who is an experienced investor, serial entrepreneur, franchisee, and Master Franchisor.

What problem do we solve?

Adam Goldman tackles many significant issues that prospective franchisees may have. He eliminates the difficulty of locating a franchise that complements one's abilities and interests, busts stereotypes regarding large initial outlay and time commitments, and provides possibilities for low-cost franchises and financing schemes, such as 401(k) rollovers. Adam also offers advice on how to grow a business and efficiently manage time, which is very helpful for people with hectic schedules.

Small Business Answer Man Show Notes:

• Adam Goldman talks about how to look for a business that fits your interests and skill set.

• He dispels notions about franchises requiring large initial investments and long-time commitments.

• Adam provides options for inexpensive franchises and financing plans, including rollovers of 401(k) accounts.

• He offers guidance on efficiently growing a business.

• He provides time management advice, particularly for people with hectic schedules.

• Adam assists listeners in navigating the complexity of franchising and making well-informed judgments about it.

Adam Goldman's Advice for Leaders:

• Assess individual abilities and preferences to select a franchise that fits them.

• Explore innovative financing solutions such as 401(k) rollovers and take into account reasonably priced franchise choices.

• To expand the company sustainably, concentrate on efficient scaling techniques.

• Set time management strategies as a top priority to manage a busy calendar and business obligations.

• Do a lot of research and comprehend the complexity of franchising before making any decisions.

Connect with Adam Goldman:

Website

LinkedIn

 

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John Hannum was a CFO who spent his corporate finance career growing companies exponentially. He is now the founder and CEO of PPS Solutions which brings the power of large-company finance to small and medium sized businesses that need it most by adding experienced CFOs to their teams on a fractional basis.

What problem do we solve?

John Hannum addresses the issue of small and medium-sized enterprises' ineffective financial management and strategic decision-making. He offers professional financial advice and risk reduction without the expense of a full-time executive by providing fractional CFO services. This facilitates firms in making well-informed decisions, streamlining processes, and successfully achieving their growth goals.

Small Business Answer Man Show Notes:

• John Hannum, CFO and Founder of PPS Solutions.

• Emphsis on the vital role CFOs play in managing and executing corporate strategy.

• CFOs participate in executive-level strategic decision-making in addition to managing money.

• CFOs, as opposed to CPAs, offer insights into operational choices and risk management, coordinating financial plans with corporate objectives.

• Learn how to enhance operations and management in your company to promote efficiency and development.

• Discover the value of making thoughtful, calculated decisions to overcome obstacles and take advantage of opportunities.

• Examine the relationship between successful financial management and individual and company financial stability.

• John Hannum offers his knowledge on the advantages of hiring seasoned CFOs for small and medium-sized businesses on a fractional basis.

• Investigate innovative marketing techniques to expand your brand's reach and attract new customers.

• Learn the essential characteristics of successful leaders and how to develop leadership inside your company.

• Examine several strategies for growing your company and attaining long-term success.

John Hannum’s Advice for Leaders:

• CFOs supervise money, but they also have a significant impact on executive-level strategic decision-making.

• CFOs, as opposed to CPAs, provide financial insights into corporate plans while concentrating on operational choices and risk management.

• Financial data and key performance indicators (KPIs) are vital for corporate growth and efficiency, and CFOs assist owners in understanding and acting upon them.

• A CFO's responsibilities include risk management and making sure financial plans complement organizational objectives. They also frequently involve accountability and tough love.

• Successful CFOs have a strong sense of commitment to the company's mission and collaborate closely with CEOs to carry out strategies and assess outcomes.

• CFOs act as coaches, helping companies through day-to-day difficulties and helping them make decisions based on financial information.

• Having a CFO who breaks down difficult financial concepts and concentrates on critical indicators to prevent analysis paralysis is advantageous for business owners.

• For small and medium-sized enterprises, fractional CFOs provide flexibility and cost-effectiveness in the form of top-notch financial advice without the overhead of a full-time role.

Connect with John Hannum:

Website

LinkedIn

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Brian Lawrence is a dad to 4, husband to 1, follower of Jesus, and founder of Winsight Leadership.

What Problem do we solve:

Our solution to the issue at hand is assisting leaders in realizing the importance of vulnerability in leadership and how to use it to foster a culture of trust, improve team relationships, and increase overall organizational performance. We address the difficulties leaders encounter in striking a balance between transparency and authority, and we offer doable solutions to create a positive work atmosphere that encourages cooperation, well-being, and sustained company progress.

Small Business Answer Man's Shownotes:

• Examining how crucial vulnerability is to leadership.
• Realising the benefits of vulnerability in fostering trust and fortifying teams.
• The effects of trust on teamwork and output.
• Leaders may take certain actions to help their teams develop trust.
• The importance of an open and encouraging work environment.
• Techniques for team leaders to encourage cooperation and well-being.
• How vulnerable leaders may yet be in positions of control?
• Successful leaders who have managed to strike a balance between authority and vulnerability.
• Practical suggestions for integrating vulnerability into a leader's approach.
• Some pointers for establishing a transparent and honest line of communication in teams.
• Case studies of businesses where the leadership embraced vulnerability and the result was a success.                                                                           

Brian's Advice for Small Business Owners:

• Own up to your shortcomings, errors, and limits. This openness fosters trust and demonstrates that flaws are acceptable.
• Promote open communication by fostering an atmosphere where team members may freely express their ideas and worries without worrying about criticism or reprisals.
• Show vulnerability in your interactions to set an example for others to follow. Talk about the obstacles you've faced and the steps you've taken to overcome them.
• Engage your team in active feedback gathering and listening. This candour can encourage a culture of ongoing development and provide insightful discoveries.
• Be genuinely concerned about your teammates' emotions and general well-being. Recognize their viewpoints and attend to their needs.
• Encourage a culture within your team where being vulnerable is seen as a strength rather than a weakness.

Connect with Brian Lawrence:

Website

LinkedIn

Youtube

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Timothy Wingate Jr is the founder, and president of G+F Business & Financial Consulting, a licensed Enrolled Agent, and a construction accountant. Timothy provides specialized accounting and tax services helping business owners gain a better understanding of their finances and costs, allowing them to win better, more profitable bids. With first-hand knowledge of the construction industry, Timothy offers tools and financial guidance to improve his client's understanding of their finances and cash flow. He has a proven track record of success, including increasing a client's gross revenue by 75%, helping a new construction company finance Big CAT equipment in less than a year, and helping a client avoid criminal charges for over $500,000 in back payroll taxes.

What problem do we solve?

In today's episode, Gary Wilbers talks to Timothy Wingate Jr., a licensed enrolled agent and founder of G Plus F Business and Financial Consulting, about how to effectively manage finances for construction business owners.

Small Business Answer Man's Shownotes:

• Timothy shares his approach to managing finances for construction business owners, highlighting the importance of understanding cost codes, estimating jobs correctly, and having a system in place for recording receipts.

• He discusses the need for business owners to have a good understanding of their financials, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash flow, in order to make informed decisions about their business.

• He emphasizes the importance of having a good accountant and working closely with them to ensure that financial planning and tax planning are aligned.

• Timothy provides practical tips and strategies for construction business owners to overcome common challenges such as missed scheduling, lack of focus, and financial stress.

• Timothy recommends using a cloud storage system like DEXT to manage receipts and track financial documents.

• He also suggests having a strategic conversation with your accountant starting in October to plan for tax season.

• Get access to Timothy's resources on financial management and consulting for construction business owners.

• Check out Timothy's website for more resources on financial management and consulting for construction business owners.

Timothy's Advice for Construction Business Owners:

• Understand your cost codes and estimate jobs correctly to ensure accurate financial projections.

• Have a system in place for recording receipts to track cash flow.

• Work closely with your accountant to ensure financial planning and tax planning are aligned.

• Focus on managing your thoughts and staying organized to reduce stress and increase productivity.

 Connect with Timothy Wingate:

Website

 Instagram

Facebook

Linkedln

Youtube

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Today’s guest, Lori Saitz, is the host of The Practical Wealth Show

Lori Saitz is the leading authority on improving productivity and engagement through workplace well-being. She is the founder of the Zen Leadership Program for Results Focused Professionals. With a comprehensive background in wellness and communication strategies, Lori helps executives create focused, resilient, and collaborative teams that can move projects forward with less stress and drama. 

Listen to Lori on her own podcast too, called Fine is a 4-Letter Word, where she engages guests in conversations about how they've grown from a time in their lives when things were decidedly NOT fine.

What problem do we solve?

In today's episode,  Gary Wilbers talks to Lori Saitz, an expert in improving productivity and engagement through workplace well-being, about how to boost productivity and manage stress as a small business owner.

Small Business Answer Man's Shownotes:

• Lori shares her approach to boosting productivity and managing stress in the workplace.

• She discusses the importance of recognizing that time management is not the solution to productivity issues, but rather managing the thoughts in our heads that distract us from focusing on our work.

• She explains how grounding exercises can help calm the mind and reset our nervous system in just two to five minutes.

• She emphasizes the power of gratitude in the workplace, which can transform our work life by radiating a positive energy and attracting more success.

• Lori provides practical tips and strategies for small business owners to overcome common challenges such as distractions, stress, and lack of focus.

• Check out Lori's digital course called Staying Calm in Chaos that is available at https://www.stayingcalminchaos.com/sp

Lori's Advice for Small Business Owners:

• Practice grounding exercises to calm your mind and reduce stress.

• Focus on gratitude to transform your work life and attract success.

• Recognize that time management is not the solution to productivity issues, but rather managing your thoughts.

• Use gratitude to set a positive tone in your workplace and attract more success.

Connect with Lori Saitz:

Website

Linkedln

Instagram

Facebook

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Today’s guest, Curtis May, is the host of The Practical Wealth Show

Podcast and the creator and owner of Practical Wealth Advisors. Curtis has been planning for individuals for more than 35 years, and he is passionate about helping his clients save money and live the very best life they can right now. The primary focus of his financial planning firm is to help businesses and families become financially free by following the principles of wealth creation that have endured for centuries around the world.

What problem do we solve?

In this episode, Gary Wilbers interviews Curtis May, a financial advisor and host of the Practical Wealth Show podcast, about mastering cash flow management for business owners. Curtis shares his insights on achieving financial stability and freedom by prioritizing profit, paying yourself first, and creating a business that generates passive income.

Show Notes:

• Curtis May, a financial advisor and host of the Practical Wealth Show podcast, who shares his approach to mastering cash flow management joins Gary on the podcast.

• Curtis explains his philosophy on cash flow management, emphasizing the importance of paying yourself first, just as you would your employees, and setting aside money for taxes.

• He recommends creating a profit-and-loss statement weekly and allocating 15% of gross revenue for owners' pay.

• Curtis highlights the importance of building a business that generates passive income and assets that produce income without active involvement.

• He advises business owners to focus on creating a business that can operate independently, rather than relying on active income from their business.

• Curtis stresses the need for a solid financial foundation before investing and cautions against placing money in a 401(k) or other investment vehicles that may limit liquidity and control. Instead, he recommends investing in cash-flowing assets like real estate or notes that provide a steady income stream.

• Curtis concludes by recommending Jay Abraham's book, "Business Without Risk," as a resource for business owners looking to grow their revenue without spending money on advertising.

Curtis May's Advice for Leaders:

• Prioritize profit and pay yourself first

• Set aside money for taxes

• Build a business that generates passive income

• Focus on creating a business that can operate without you

Website

Connect

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