Small Business Break-Through

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast, the host interviews Billy, the CEO and founder of SearchLogic, and his VP of Marketing, Brian. They discuss their company's evolution from a small business to an enterprise focused on driving traffic to websites through platforms like Google, Facebook, and YouTube. Billy shares his inspiration for founding the 13-year-old marketing agency and emphasizes the importance of adapting to industry's technical demands. Brian explains how tracking ad spend and metrics is crucial for marketing success, especially for small businesses. They also introduce their new product offerings and emphasize the significance of clear goals and incremental growth for smaller ad budgets. The conversation highlights their commitment to helping small businesses navigate the complexities of digital marketing and achieve growth. The episode concludes with a fun lightning round where listeners get to know Billy and Brian better.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:07 Meet the Guests: Billy and Brian from SearchLogic

00:47 SearchLogic's Journey and Services

04:40 The Importance of Tracking Ad Spend

09:00 Helping Small Businesses Grow

16:22 Future Vision and Lessons Learned

24:34 Lightning Round: Fun and Insights

27:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Series, we talk to Lisa Canning, CEO and founder of SalesMaven, which helps small businesses under $5 million align their sales and marketing teams. Lisa shares her journey from starting her first business at 17, to its recognition as one of the top 100 small businesses in America. She discusses the challenges she faced, the services SalesMaven offers, and how aligning marketing with sales can help small businesses thrive. Lisa offers valuable insights on knowing oneself as a business owner, leveraging tools like AI, and the importance of building a strong marketing component. The conversation ends with a fun lightning round revealing more about Lisa's personal preferences and philosophy.

00:00 Introduction to the Small Business Breakthrough Series

00:09 Meet Lisa Canning: CEO and Founder of SalesMaven

00:46 The Birth of SalesMaven 01:40 Aligning Sales and Marketing for Small Businesses

03:56 Lisa's First Business: Lisa's Clarinets

05:38 Challenges and Tips for Small Business Owners

06:30 Innovative Networking Techniques

07:34 Recent Projects and Industry Impact

10:16 Future of SalesMaven and Small Business Growth

13:53 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Questions

15:12 Conclusion and How to Connect with Lisa

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast, host Jason interviews Kendra Santiago, co-owner of SmithBates Marcomm Solutions. Kendra discusses the company's extensive history as a printing business, their evolution to incorporate digital marketing, and their comprehensive service offerings including graphic design, large-scale print production, fulfillment, promotional items, apparel, and more. She shares her journey from a customer to a co-owner, emphasizing the importance of relationships and business acumen in the transition. Kendra also talks about the company's future initiatives, including the expansion of fulfillment services and the development of trade show booths, while highlighting her personal challenges and the lessons learned from them. The interview wraps up with fun lightning-round questions and essential contact information for those interested in Smith Bates.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:15 Meet Kendra Santiago of SmithBates Marcomm Solutions

00:37 Smith Bates: A Century-Old Business Adapting to Modern Needs

01:41 Transitioning from Print to Digital Marketing

03:23 Kendra's Journey to Business Ownership

05:32 Challenges and Growth in Business Ownership

06:59 Smith Bates' Unique Value Proposition

09:44 Exciting New Initiatives at Smith Bates

11:03 Future Plans for Smith Bates

13:06 Lightning Hot Seat Questions

15:45 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough podcast, host interviews Hillary Hartling, a brand and messaging strategist. Hillary shares insights from her extensive career, including her 16 years at Disney and her transition to entrepreneurship. She discusses the importance of brand clarity, the role of personal branding, and how AI is shaping the future of brand strategy. Hillary also shares personal experiences and practical advice for small business owners looking to make their brand stand out. The episode highlights her unique approach to branding, emphasizing the need for authenticity and personal connection in today's market.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:41 Meet Hillary Hartling: Brand and Messaging Strategist

01:13 The Importance of Brand Strategy

02:46 Hillary's Entrepreneurial Journey

03:54 Keys to Business Growth

05:36 Personal Branding Insights

08:18 Exciting Projects and Initiatives

11:45 Future of Branding and AI

13:57 Lightning Round

17:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast, host Jason interviews Casey Jacox, a coach, speaker, author, podcaster, and father. Casey shares his journey from a corporate career to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He dives into the inspiration behind his book 'Win the Relationship, Not the Deal' and his podcast 'Quarterback Dadcast.' Casey discusses the importance of relationship-building in sales, the value of follow-up, and his experiences and philosophy as a coach. He also shares insights on overcoming challenges, leadership, and maintaining humility and curiosity in personal and professional life.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:39 Casey's Career Journey and COVID-19 Impact

03:25 Inspiration Behind 'Win the Relationship, Not the Deal'

07:34 Public Speaking and Overcoming Stage Fright

10:20 The Quarterback Dadcast Podcast

13:30 Coaching Journey and Philosophy

18:49 Lightning Round and Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Small Business Podcast, host Jason interviews Christine of Vistage Chair with 11 years of leadership and executive coaching experience. Christine discusses the role of Vistage in supporting CEOs, presidents, and owners of small to medium-sized businesses through peer advisory groups and one-on-one coaching. She shares how Vistage creates a trusted environment for leaders to tackle their biggest challenges and grow their businesses. The conversation also touches on her transition from a 35-year corporate career to coaching, the importance of strategic planning, and tips for business owners to overcome obstacles. The episode ends with a lightning round where Christine shares personal insights and recommendations.

00:00 Introduction to the Small Business Podcast

00:11 Meet Christine: From Corporate America to Vistage Chair

00:59 Understanding Vistage and Its Impact on Small Businesses

02:14 The Power of Group Dynamics in Vistage

04:11 Engaging Business Owners and Breaking Down Barriers

05:58 Encouraging Growth and Strategic Thinking

08:37 Adapting to Economic Changes and Future Planning

14:33 Lightning Round: Fun and Inspiration

17:54 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast, we host John Fly, CTO of Firm Pilot, a rapidly growing company specializing in AI-powered marketing services for small businesses, specifically law firms. John discusses how Firm Pilot leverages cutting-edge AI technology to enhance content generation, SEO, and social media strategies, thus helping law firms attract more clients. He also shares insights on effective business scaling, emphasizing the importance of realistic goal-setting and diligent strategic planning. John provides a peek into future advancements in AI marketing, including innovations in video and audio capabilities. Additionally, John reflects on his leadership journey and personal development while pursuing a doctorate in leadership. To conclude, he partakes in a fun quick-fire round, answering questions about his preferences and influences.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:48 Overview of Firm Pilot's AI-Powered Marketing

01:40 Building a Unique AI Marketing Engine

03:52 Scaling Strategies for Small Businesses

07:03 Leadership and Team Building Insights

10:14 Future of AI in Marketing

13:34 Hot Seat Round: Quick Questions

15:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast, host Jason interviews Rion Willard, co-founder of Business of Architecture. They dive deep into the challenges and solutions faced by architecture business owners. Rion shares insights on overcoming business bottlenecks, the importance of delegation, and the critical need for business education in the architecture industry. They also discuss the evolution of Business of Architecture, the role of a business mentor, and the impact of AI on the industry. This episode is packed with valuable advice for architects and business owners alike, aiming to strike a balance between creative passion and business acumen.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:35 Meet Rion Willard: Helping Architects Grow

00:54 Challenges Faced by Architecture Business Owners

03:09 The Journey of Founding Business of Architecture

08:04 The Importance of Business Mentorship

17:32 Future of Architecture and Business Coaching

28:20 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Questions

30:11 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast, we welcome Teddy Heidt, founder of The Gauge Collective, a freelance-built agency alternative specializing in digital and social media marketing. Teddy discusses the inefficiencies of the traditional agency model and how his innovative freelance model creates highly effective and dynamic teams tailored for speed and impact. He shares insights from his eight years of experience, emphasizing collaboration, quality service, and the importance of a robust strategy in combining organic and paid social campaigns. Teddy also touches on the evolving landscape of social media marketing, the significance of authentic and unpolished content, and future trends. The conversation wraps with Teddy's thoughts on overcoming personal challenges, favorite quotes, and recommendations for other entrepreneurs.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:12 Meet Teddy Heidt and The Gauge Collective

00:29 The Freelance Agency Alternative

01:19 Inspiration Behind The Gauge Collective

02:39 Keys to Success in Freelance Model

04:09 Exciting Projects and Initiatives

05:36 Organic vs. Paid Marketing Strategies

07:55 Future of Social and Digital Marketing

10:36 Biggest Differentiator and Client Collaboration

12:02 Lightning Round: Quick Questions

13:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast, we delve into brand strategy with Leslie Silverman, the owner and client whisperer at Hive 180. Leslie provides insights into the importance of a comprehensive brand strategy beyond just logos and websites. She explains the 'brand buzz' process and emphasizes the significance of personal branding in today's business world. Leslie also shares the power of saying 'no' to non-ideal clients and the benefits of focusing on dream clients. Additionally, she discusses the challenges faced over the past 10 years in business, including transitioning to home offices and the impact of AI on the digital marketing space. The episode concludes with Leslie sharing a recent inspiring project and her thoughts on overcoming personal obstacles. Tune in to learn how to create a meaningful and effective brand strategy.

00:00 Introduction to the Small Business Breakthrough Podcast

00:09 Meet Leslie Silverman from Hive 180

00:26 Understanding Brand Strategy

01:35 The Power of Personal Branding 03:06 The Importance of Saying No

06:10 Starting Hive 180: The Journey

07:40 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change

09:25 Recent Projects and Business Overhaul

13:40 Future Trends in Brand Strategy

16:28 Lightning Round Questions

18:31 Conclusion and Contact Information