We’ve enjoyed an amazing journey with our guests, sharing tales of entrepreneurship and the heart that beats within America's small businesses. However, just like any small business owner knows, sometimes you need to take a step back, re-evaluate, and strategize to come back stronger. Join us as we reflect on our progress, and share our plans for an exciting new chapter filled with fresh insights and engaging content that will captivate both current and new listeners.

Keep those small business dreams alive and stay tuned for our next chapter!

Unlock the secrets of effective customer relationship management with insights from Jason Atwood of Arkus. You'll discover how CRMs have transformed from simple databases into powerful tools essential for tracking interactions, managing leads, and boosting sales for both B2B and B2C businesses. In this episode of Small Business Big World, Jason breaks down the evolution of CRM systems and their crucial role in providing actionable insights, such as lead scoring and origin tracking, to enhance communication strategies and propel prospects through your sales pipeline.

Learn how to scale a small business with insights from our guest, Jason Atwood of Arkus. Jason shares his journey from a three-person startup to a flourishing company with over 75 employees. Listen as he emphasizes the crucial importance of cash flow management and financial health, providing a candid look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Learn from his experiences to better understand how to manage your business's finances and avoid common pitfalls.

Can AI tools really transform your small business into a powerhouse of efficiency and innovation? Join us as we talk with our Marketing Director, Jon Portanova, and learn how AI is not just a tech buzzword but a valuable ally for your small business. From video editing to social media strategies, we’ll share real-world examples of how these advanced tools can optimize operations and support your growth journey.

Unlock the power of Individual Contribution Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICRA) and revolutionize your approach to employee benefits! Join us as Ashley McQuade from Venture shares her expertise on how ICRA can transform the way small businesses manage health benefits, offering flexibility and personalization like never before. 

Let's talk about building a business that not only thrives but is also primed for a successful sale. We promise you'll gain invaluable insights from our conversation with Denver business coach Steven Kohnke, as we explore strategies that transform a "mom and pop" operation into a saleable, structured entity. Together, we'll discuss the necessity of having an exit strategy from the start, inspired by Steven's wisdom to "begin with the end in mind." Discover why reducing dependence on a single individual is crucial for increasing your business's value, and learn how to prepare for potential unforeseen circumstances that could force an unexpected exit.

Learn how to craft effective Paid Time Off (PTO) policies with HR consultant Dawn Powell as our guide. Why settle for a generic approach when you can tailor your PTO policy to fit your industry's unique needs? Join us as we talk through the best practices, such as simplifying PTO into a single category to avoid micromanaging vacation and sick leave. We also explore the particular challenges of adapting PTO policies across states with varying regulations, including Maine's specific legal requirements for earned paid leave. Dawn shares invaluable insights on the importance of a well-documented policy in an employee handbook, ensuring clarity and fairness for all.

As you prepare for the next chapter of life, what hurdles await you? Join us and special guest Josh Chase from BGA Financial as we unravel the often-overlooked transition into retirement, a significant shift especially challenging for small business owners whose identities are tightly interwoven with their careers. Josh shares his insights into balancing financial plans with emotional readiness. We explore personal stories like that of a newspaper editor grappling with his sense of self-worth after retiring and a receptionist's unexpected approach to her final workday.

This episode promises a holistic approach to retirement planning, blending financial readiness with emotional well-being. We emphasize the power of conversations with loved ones and advisors to navigate the fear and uncertainty of retiring. Whether you're considering retiring soon or planning for the distant future, this discussion offers insights to prepare for a satisfying and meaningful life beyond the workforce.

This week, we sit down with Andrea Tetzlaff, the publisher at MaineBiz, who guides us through the publication's journey from a modest monthly issue in 1994 to a vital resource for Maine's small businesses. Andrea sheds light on how MaineBiz has consistently provided valuable content and organized networking events to support and connect the local business community. This episode is packed with insights that highlight the intersection of media and small business.

Unlock the secrets of strategic planning and elevate your small business with insights from Amanda Majewski, Vice President of HCM Services at Higher Level. This episode of Small Business Big World promises you a front-row seat to Amanda's journey of refining business strategies and cultivating a robust company culture. Discover how tools like DISC assessments can transform your hiring processes and enhance team dynamics, and why clearly articulating your mission, vision, and values is essential for attracting top talent, especially those transitioning from larger corporations.

Get ready to transform your approach to business planning with our deep dive into brainstorming sessions, vision boards, and the strategic prioritization of ideas. Amanda shares her personal experience with planning retreats and the critical role of management feedback in shaping a cohesive strategy. Learn the importance of community involvement and regular company-wide training sessions in fostering alignment and growth. Through heartfelt self-reflection and continuous dialogue, we'll guide you on how to ensure your team is always working towards the same objectives.

Discover the power of team collaboration and the role of regular meetings in assessing operational efficiencies and client relationships. Amanda and I discuss how empowering employees can lead to better client experiences and the tough decisions involved in parting ways with clients who aren't a good fit. By setting clear service standards and maintaining constant communication, align your team and clients on processes and expectations. We'll explore strategic planning methods like SWOT analysis and strategic alignment to enhance client satisfaction and drive internal growth. This episode is your roadmap to operational and performance improvements that can make a significant impact on your small business.