Small Business Survival Conversations

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In this episode of Small Business Survival Conversation, hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer dive deep into the world of small business support and certification with their esteemed guest, Jessie Leonard. Jessie Leonard, Director of Established Business Program and Services at the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) in Milwaukee, brings over two decades of experience in diversity practice, administrative management, and human resources to the table.

Throughout the episode, Jessie shares invaluable insights into the importance of certification and the plethora of support services offered by the WBDC to women business owners. With a Bachelor's degree in Communications and certifications in Project Management, Human Resource Management, and Supplier Diversity, Jessie is well-equipped to guide entrepreneurs through the certification process and beyond.

Listeners will discover the significance of becoming a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and the doors it can open for procurement opportunities with corporate partners. From navigating the certification application to leveraging WBDC's extensive network and resources, Jessie outlines the steps necessary for small businesses to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking certification or an established business owner looking to expand your network, this episode provides practical advice and inspiration. Tune in to learn how the Women's Business Development Center empowers women in business and fosters economic growth.

To learn more about the WBDC and connect with Jessie Leonard, visit their website at www.WBDC.org or reach out directly at 414-395-4564 or via email at [email protected]. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on navigating the path to small business success!

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Join Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer in the latest Small Business Survival Conversations episode as they unravel the secrets behind delivering a compelling presentation. In this episode, they delve into the "5 Keys to a Better Presentation," equipping small business owners with the essential skills to captivate their audience and leave a lasting impression.

1. Know Your Audience:
   Discover the power of understanding your audience. Anna and Michael explore the importance of identifying who your audience is, gauging their existing knowledge, and discerning their expectations. Learn how tailoring your presentation to your audience can elevate your communication and ensure a more impactful message.
2. Prepare in Detail - Like an Attorney:
   Uncover the meticulous preparation process that turns an ordinary presentation into an extraordinary one. The hosts emphasize the use of an outline, providing authenticity and a heartfelt connection. Find out why limiting yourself to three valuable big ideas can enhance clarity, and explore the significance of knowing the details you want to convey.
3. Rehearse and Rehearse:
   Step into the world of effective rehearsal techniques. Anna and Michael stress the importance of practicing aloud and in front of a mirror. Learn how to infuse dynamic energy into your presentation, steering clear of a monotone delivery. Discover the art of modulating your voice to emphasize key elements and engage your audience more effectively.
4. Listen to Yourself:
   Put yourself in the shoes of your audience. The hosts explore the critical aspect of self-awareness during a presentation. Understand why it's essential to evaluate whether your message is clear and comprehensible. Learn how adopting the perspective of an audience member can refine your communication skills.
5. Always End with a Call to Action:
   Leave a lasting impact by concluding your presentation with a compelling call to action. Anna and Michael discuss the significance of guiding your audience toward the next steps, whether exploring your ideas more or reflecting on thought-provoking questions. Discover the art of inspiring action and engagement.

Tune in to this Small Business Survival Conversations episode and elevate your presentation skills to new heights. Master the art of connecting with your audience, delivering memorable content, and driving meaningful actions. Don't miss out on the valuable insights Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer shared in this must-listen episode!

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Join hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer in the latest episode of Small Business Survival Conversation, where they delve into the crucial aspects of business preparedness, expectation management, and maintaining a positive outlook. In this insightful discussion, the hosts draw parallels to the meticulous preparation of an attorney entering a courtroom to emphasize the importance of being well-prepared in the business arena.

Always Be Preparing:
The episode explores the mindset of anticipating the questions and concerns of key stakeholders such as customers, investors, loan officers, and employees. Anna and Michael emphasize the significance of having answers ready to avoid assumptions that can lead to negative perceptions. They stress the need for confidence, acknowledging circumstances when unprepared, and continuous preparation to stay ahead.

Establish the Right Expectations:
The hosts guide listeners on the art of managing expectations, both internally and externally. They advocate for confidence while leaving room for flexibility. Avoiding the cliché of "exceeding expectations," they encourage going beyond set expectations and discuss the lasting impact it can have on how others perceive and remember your business.

Maintain a Positive Perspective:
The episode concludes with a focus on maintaining a positive perspective. Anna and Michael stress the importance of continuous planning to excel in current practices and adapt to changing conditions. They advocate for having alternative scenarios, strategies, and ideas ready in advance, highlighting the strategic role of business owners and leaders in steering their firms through dynamic environments.

Tune in to this episode for practical insights that will empower small business owners to navigate challenges with confidence, set realistic expectations, and foster a positive and strategic mindset for sustained success. Always be preparing, establishing the right expectations, and maintaining a positive perspective are the keys to thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of small business.

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Join hosts Anna Steinfest and Dr. Michael Troyer in this episode as they unveil three game-changing strategies for small business productivity.

1. Tackle the To-Do List: Learn how to prioritize A, B, and C tasks, allocate time effectively, and avoid quick distractions.
2. The Rule of Immersion: Turn off distractions, create focused blocks of time for critical tasks, and boost productivity.
3. Take a Break: Discover the importance of breaks for avoiding burnout, clearing the mind, and sparking creativity.

Transform the way you work and make the most of your valuable time with these actionable insights. Tune in to this Small Business Survival Conversation now!

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Join hosts Dr. Michael Troyer and Anna Steinfest on Small Business Survival Conversations as they unveil the three essential steps for mastering the art of budgeting. Drawing on their extensive experience, the hosts simplify complex financial concepts and offer practical strategies for small business owners. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode provides actionable insights to help your business survive and thrive. Tune in for expert advice, real-world examples, and a roadmap to financial success in the small business landscape.

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"Join hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer in this episode of Small Business Survival Conversations podcast, where we dive deep into the strategies and tools that can make a significant impact on the success of small businesses. From spreading the Customer Relationship Cheer with powerful CRM tools to tuning into valuable customer feedback insights and navigating the art of planning and reflections, we unwrap a gift of knowledge to empower small business owners. Don't miss out on these essential conversations that could transform the way you approach and thrive in your entrepreneurial journey!

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In this episode of "Small Business Survival Conversations," hosts Anna Steinfest and Michael Troyer and a guest, John Opichka, explore essential strategies for protecting your business from cyber threats.

Episode Highlights:

1. Evaluating Risks: Learn how to assess and prioritize potential cybersecurity risks, such as data hijacking and denial of service attacks, to focus resources effectively.
2. Crafting a Cybersecurity Plan: Discover the crucial steps involved in creating a comprehensive cybersecurity plan, including security protocols and working with trusted experts.
3. Communication and Recovery Plans: Understand the importance of pre-planned communication and recovery strategies for both employees and the public in case of a breach.
4. Practice and Improvement: Find out how regular practice and scenario simulations can help refine your cybersecurity plans and ensure preparedness.
5. Cost Evaluation: Explore the costs of prevention versus potential breach costs, including direct and indirect expenses.
6. Identifying Essentials: Stay ahead of evolving threats by continually assessing what's most critical to your business operations and what's at risk.

Tune in to this episode to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to secure your business against cyber breaches. 

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Join hosts Anna Steinfest and Dr. Michael Troyer in this episode of Small Business Survival as they uncover the key to making captivating pitches. Discover the four essential steps to influence customers, colleagues, and investors. Learn how to strike a balance between emotional appeal and logical persuasion in a concise, straightforward manner.

You'll discover why brevity is crucial in a world of short attention spans. Avoid the common pitfall of lengthy and complex pitches. Align your pitch with the problems your audience wants to solve and emphasize the importance of authentic, customer-focused communication.

Anna and Michael share valuable insights, drawing from Matt Abrahams' four statements: "What if you could," "so that," "For example," and "And that's not all." These statements guide you in crafting compelling pitches for various opportunities, whether it's for customers, colleagues, or investor-minded individuals.

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Improve Your Productivity Without Working More Hours

Anna Steinfest and Dr. Michael Troyer discuss five key steps small businesses can take to improve their productivity without working more hours. In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Take breaks and get more sleep
• Prioritize for the long run
• Train your employees well
• Identify the actions and decisions that will benefit you most in the future
• Be cautious of your human tendency to focus on the urgent

If you're feeling overwhelmed and overworked, you don't have to keep sacrificing your health and well-being. Listen to this episode to learn how to be more productive without working more hours.

Hosted by Anna Steinfest and Dr. Michael Troyer

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In this episode, Michael Troyer and Anna Steinfest share tools and tips on how to delegate effectively. They discuss why delegation is important, how to identify tasks that can be delegated, and how to choose the right people to delegate to. They also provide advice on how to set clear expectations, provide feedback, and let go of control.

Whether you're a new small business owner or a seasoned pro, this episode is for you. Learn how to delegate effectively so you can focus on the most important things and grow your business faster.

Topics covered in this episode:

• The benefits of delegation
• How to identify tasks that can be delegated
• How to choose the right people to delegate to
• How to set clear expectations
• How to provide feedback
• How to let go of control