Small Business Big World

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.

Unlock the secrets of powerful public relations for small businesses with our special guest, Laura Dolce, the director of the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel Chamber of Commerce. Discover how even the smallest news—like promotions, product launches, and anniversaries—can make headlines and breathe new life into your business. Laura explains how lean newsrooms are hungry for ready-to-publish stories and offers actionable insights on crafting compelling press releases. Tune in and give your small business the PR boost it deserves!

Navigate legal challenges that small businesses face daily with insights from our special guest, attorney Pat Brady of Bergen and Parkinson. Learn how corporate housekeeping and record-keeping, such as maintaining up-to-date bylaws and operating agreements, can protect your business from potential liability risks. Pat talks the necessity of documenting significant decisions through consent resolutions and the importance of getting signatures on certain documents. 

This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you safeguard and sustain your small business in a legally compliant and professionally sound manner. Don't miss it!

Unlock the secrets to growing your social following with digital marketing expert Matt Diamante from HeyTony Agency! Matt takes us on his journey from a referral-based business to becoming a social media sensation, all thanks to the wisdom from "The One Thing" and "Jab Jab Jab Right Hook." Get ready for some actionable tips on content writing, blog posts, and effective keyword utilization to boost your Google rankings and enhance your social media game.

Join us for this episode packed with practical advice, real-world examples and Matt's story that will transform your approach to creating content for your social media.

Can networking truly transform your small business? Join us on Small Business Big World as we sit down with Ashley Winslow from Bangor Savings, who brings her wealth of experience in networking to the table. With insights from her own initiative, Ashley uncovers the secrets to expanding your business's reach through a community built on trust and professionalism. Learn why commitment is crucial and how surrounding yourself with reliable professionals can be a game-changer for your referrals and client relationships.

We also share actionable strategies for making networking a consistent and effective part of your business routine. From engaging new contacts with confidence to setting clear goals and seeking advice from seasoned networkers, Ashley and I explore the nuances of both formal and informal networking events.  Get inspired to start, commit, and grow on your networking journey with tips that prioritize meaningful connections over superficial ones.

Unlock the secrets to standing out in today's crowded digital marketplace with insights from Rich Brooks of Flyte New Media. Rich introduces us to his "Remarkability Formula," a powerful tool comprising four key lenses: Find, Focus, Forge, and Frame. Discover how these elements can help you pinpoint what makes your business unique, zone in on your niche, create offerings aligned with your mission, and reposition your brand to attract your ideal customers.

This episode is packed with actionable strategies for branding, customer targeting, and effective marketing, all essential for small businesses aiming for growth and success.

Rich Brooks also hosts a podcast called 'The Agents of Change'.  Further, he hosts a digital marketing conference called the 'The Agents of Change Conference' each October.  This conference brings in many marketing experts from across the country to cover things like local SEO, AI in marketing, creating successful LinkedIn ads, and much more!  'Listeners of Small Business Big World' can receive $25 off tickets by using the promo code "bigworld" when purchasing.

Unlock the secrets to online success with our latest episode of Small Business Big World, where we break down the essentials of search engine optimization (SEO) with our very own marketing director, Jon Portanova. Ever wondered how small tweaks can boost your website’s visibility on Google? Jon takes us through the must-know basics of on-page, off-page, and technical SEO. From the importance behind keywords and meta descriptions to the power of internal linking, learn how the latest changes in Google’s algorithm can either help or hinder your web presence.

This episode offers tips on optimizing your Google My Business profile and leveraging the full potential of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Jon also shares the often-overlooked technical aspects of SEO that can make a huge difference, including site structure and optimized image formats to enhance page speed and user experience.  Whether you’re new to SEO or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights that could propel your small business to online prominence. Don’t miss out!

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to safeguarding your small business? Join us as we sit down with Detective Steve Borst from the Kennebunk Police Department, who shares his insights on essential security measures that every small business owner should know. From the basics of securing your premises with locks, lighting, and cameras to the importance of community programs like Virtual Neighborhood Watch, Detective Borst provides expert advice on creating a safe environment for your employees and customers. We'll also discuss the critical need for registering your business with local authorities, ensuring effective communication and support during incidents.

Why are small businesses in Maine facing skyrocketing health insurance premiums, and what can they do about it? Join us as we dive into this urgent issue with Connor Kennedy from Acadia Benefits. We'll unpack the complexities of the community-rated small group market, discussing how Maine's aging population and high healthcare costs are pushing premiums higher and higher. You'll gain insights into the implications of merging the individual and small group markets, the standardization of plans and rates, and the effects of the individual mandate's repeal on the insurance pool. This episode promises to equip you with the understanding needed to navigate these turbulent waters.