What if the key to explosive growth, happier employees, and loyal clients wasn't another marketing tactic — but something much simpler? In this episode of SoTellUs Time, hosts Trevor and Troy Howard uncover one of the most underrated business superpowers of all time: listening.

You'll discover how the world's most successful companies — from Microsoft to Starbucks, LEGO, Toyota, and Zappos — transformed their culture, customer loyalty, and profits by learning to truly hear what people were saying.

This episode breaks down exactly how to apply those same listening strategies inside your business — to increase team morale, drive innovation, and attract lifelong customers. Whether you're a small business owner, team leader, or entrepreneur, these lessons will change how you communicate forever.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown: 00:00 - Intro: The most profitable skill you're overlooking 01:00 - Why listening is a business superpower 03:00 - How listening transformed Microsoft's culture 05:00 - The hidden goldmine: listening to your employees 09:00 - How Ritz-Carlton, Toyota & Southwest turned feedback into millions 13:00 - Listening to clients: the key to retention and referrals 17:00 - What Starbucks, Netflix & small businesses do differently 21:00 - Listening to data & reviews like LEGO and Spotify 23:00 - Turning what you hear into powerful action steps 25:00 - The challenge: practice deep listening this week

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Listening isn't passive — it's strategic awareness.

• Employees are your greatest innovation source when you actually hear them.

• Customers will tell you how to grow if you ask the right questions.

• Data is your silent advisor — it's speaking volumes about what matters most.

• True leaders turn what they hear into measurable action.

🚀 Featured Business Stories:

• Microsoft's "Learn-It-All" transformation under Satya Nadella

• Ritz-Carlton's $2,000 empowerment rule

• Toyota's "Kaizen" idea system

• Starbucks' crowd-sourced innovation platform

• LEGO's revival through fan feedback

• Zappos' customer-first culture

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Business owners & entrepreneurs

• Managers & team leaders

• Customer service professionals

• Anyone who wants to build stronger teams, happier clients, and a smarter company

📢 Your Challenge: This week, listen deeply to one employee, one client, and one piece of feedback — then take action. The smartest leaders don't just talk… they listen.

👉 Watch more episodes of SoTellUs Time for powerful strategies that grow your business, improve your team, and skyrocket customer loyalty: 🎥 youtube.com/sotellus

#BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #TeamBuilding #SoTellUsTime #CustomerExperience #EmployeeEngagement #ListeningSkills #SatyaNadella #MicrosoftCulture #Starbucks #LEGO #Toyota #Zappos #Netflix #Spotify #CustomerFeedback #BusinessPodcast #TrevorHoward #TroyHoward #SoTellUs #SmallBusinessTips #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessLeadership #InnovationCulture #ClientRetention #CommunicationSkills #CompanyCulture #CustomerLoyalty #SoTellUsReviews

How many brilliant ideas have you started but never finished? A new website, marketing campaign, or system that got 80% done — then lost steam? You're not alone. In this episode of SoTellUs Time, hosts Trevor and Troy Howard reveal the exact Follow-Through Formula successful entrepreneurs use to finish what they start, turn ideas into action, and get real business results.

🔥 You'll discover: ✅ Why most projects stall before the finish line ✅ The 5-step "Follow-Through Formula" to complete ANY project ✅ How to regain momentum when motivation fades ✅ The secret power of clarity, accountability, and celebration ✅ Real-world success stories of teams that went from stuck to scaling fast

If you've ever felt like you're always "working on" something but rarely finishing — this episode will change that. You'll walk away with a repeatable system to turn your big ideas into completed, revenue-driving wins for your business.

💡 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Introduction: Why so many great ideas go unfinished 02:00 – The #1 reason projects stall (and how to fix it fast) 05:00 – The Follow-Through Formula: 5 steps to finish strong 12:00 – Real-world success story: from stalled to scaling 14:00 – Wrap-up: Your challenge for the week

💬 QUOTE WORTH SHARING: "Motivation starts a project. Systems finish it." — Trevor Howard

🎥 WATCH NEXT: 👉 How to Spot Hidden Revenue Streams in Your Business 👉 The Business Owner's Guide to Managing Stress Like a Pro 👉 Why Every Business Needs an Emergency Plan (and How to Build One)

📲 FOLLOW & CONNECT: ✅ Subscribe for more business growth strategies: youtube.com/sotellus ✅ Learn how SoTellUs helps businesses get more reviews, referrals, and revenue: https://www.sotellus.com ✅ Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @SoTellUs

#SoTellUsTime #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Motivation #Productivity #FollowThrough #GoalSetting #Accountability #SuccessHabits #Mindset #Leadership #SmallBusiness #FinishStrong #Procrastination #BusinessTips #EntrepreneurLife #TrevorHoward #TroyHoward #SoTellUsPodcast #SelfImprovement #SystemsThatScale

Running a business is tough — but burning out doesn't have to be part of the journey. In this powerful episode of SoTellUs Time, hosts Trevor and Troy Howard reveal how to manage stress like a pro — the same way top-performing entrepreneurs, CEOs, and elite leaders handle pressure without losing their sanity.

💥 You'll discover: ✅ Why business owners are more prone to chronic stress than most people ✅ The early warning signs of burnout that you can't afford to ignore ✅ 3 proven strategies to manage stress effectively (used by elite business owners!) ✅ How to stay calm and make clear decisions even when everything feels chaotic ✅ The mindset shift that separates overwhelmed entrepreneurs from unstoppable leaders

From real-world examples like "Sarah's Bakery" to practical tools you can use immediately — this episode gives you the roadmap to protect your energy, focus, and peace of mind.

Whether you're hustling to grow your startup, managing a busy service business, or leading a large team, these techniques will help you: 💪 Reclaim your time 💪 Improve your mental clarity 💪 Boost your business performance 💪 And enjoy the entrepreneurial journey again!

🎯 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction: Why You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup 02:00 – Why Business Owners Are Especially Prone to Stress 05:00 – Recognizing the Warning Signs of Burnout 07:00 – Strategy #1: Control What You Can, Let Go of What You Can't 10:00 – Strategy #2: Build Recovery Into Your Schedule 13:00 – Strategy #3: Delegate & Automate for Freedom and Focus 17:00 – Final Takeaways & Challenge

🚀 WANT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS FASTER? Visit 👉 https://www.sotellus.com and discover how SoTellUs helps you get more reviews, automate your marketing, and generate more sales — stress-free.

🎧 LISTEN TO MORE EPISODES: 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sotellus 🎙️ Spotify: https://spotify.com/sotellustime 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sotellustime

💬 CONNECT WITH US: 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/sotellus 💼 Facebook: https://facebook.com/sotellus 🌐 Website: https://www.sotellus.com

#SoTellUsTime #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessOwnerTips #StressManagement #EntrepreneurLife #Leadership #BurnoutPrevention #BusinessGrowth #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance #SmallBusiness #Delegation #Automation #EntrepreneurWellness #SuccessHabits #MindsetMatters #Productivity #CEOHabits #StressRelief #EntrepreneurMotivation #TrevorHoward #TroyHoward

Most business owners think, "That'll never happen to me." But when disaster strikes — from data breaches to power outages, or even your top employee quitting overnight — the businesses that survive are the ones that prepared in advance.

In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard break down why every business needs an emergency plan and give you the exact steps to build one that protects your people, profits, and peace of mind.

🚨 Here's what you'll learn in this episode: 00:00 – Intro: Why preparation is your greatest advantage 01:00 – Why most businesses skip creating an emergency plan (and the costly mindset behind it) 04:00 – The shocking cost of not being prepared (FEMA stat: 40% of businesses never reopen after a disaster!) 07:00 – What every business emergency plan should include: Communication, roles, backups, recovery 11:00 – How to build your plan in 5 simple, actionable steps 14:00 – Real-world example: How one café's lack of preparation cost them their business 17:00 – Call to Action: How to identify your top three business risks this week

💡 Key Takeaway: Emergencies are unpredictable — but your response doesn't have to be. With a solid plan, you can turn chaos into control and protect everything you've built.

🎯 In this episode, we cover:

• Emergency preparedness for small businesses

• Business continuity and disaster recovery plans

• How to handle a data breach or cyberattack

• Protecting your business from natural disasters

• Crisis communication strategies for your team and customers

• Backup systems, leadership roles, and recovery planning

✅ Action Step: Spend 30 minutes this week identifying your top 3 business risks and outline your first response steps.

💬 Join the conversation: Have you experienced a business emergency? Share your story below — it might help another business owner prepare!

👥 About SoTellUs Time: Welcome to SoTellUs Time — the podcast for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and go-getters who want to scale smarter, serve better, and stay ahead of the curve. Hosted by Trevor and Troy Howard, creators of SoTellUs, the world's only review platform that lets your customers leave video, audio, and written reviews instantly!

🎧 Watch more episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@sotellus 🚀 Learn how SoTellUs helps businesses get more reviews, referrals, and revenue → https://www.SoTellUs.com

#EmergencyPlan #BusinessContinuity #SoTellUsTime #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessTips #CrisisManagement #DisasterPreparedness #BusinessStrategy #Cybersecurity #Leadership #BusinessOwners #BusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #SoTellUs

Most business owners are sitting on hidden profits they don't even know exist! 💎 In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard reveal how to spot and seize hidden revenue opportunities already inside your business — no new products, no massive investments, just smarter strategy.

🎯 Episode Goal: Help business owners uncover overlooked income streams, fix profit leaks, and make small tweaks that create big financial gains.

00:00 - Intro: The hidden gold inside your business 01:00 - Why Hidden Revenue Gets Overlooked 👉 Comfort zones, busyness, and lack of tracking are silent killers of profit. 💡 Example: A company discovered 30% of leads never got follow-ups!

04:00 - 5 Hidden Revenue Sources Most Businesses Miss 1️⃣ Unconverted Leads – Old calls, quotes, and emails = instant cash flow. 2️⃣ Upselling & Cross-Selling – Train your team to suggest smarter add-ons. 3️⃣ Pricing & Value Perception – Compete on experience, not discounts. 4️⃣ Recurring Revenue Opportunities – Create memberships or care plans. 5️⃣ Operational Inefficiencies – Trim waste, boost margins.

10:00 - How to Find Hidden Opportunities in YOUR Business 🔍 Audit your customer journey. 📊 Track conversions, repeat sales, and lead follow-ups. 💬 Ask your team what they see daily — they know where the gaps are!

13:00 - Turning Insight Into Action ✅ Start small: focus on one improvement this week. ✅ Measure, reinvest, repeat. 💬 "Hidden revenue isn't about working harder—it's about working smarter."

Most businesses can uncover 5-10% more profit within 30 days by reactivating cold leads and refining pricing strategies.

Comment below: 👉 What's one area of your business that might be hiding extra revenue?

📺 How to Turn Competitors Copying You Into an Advantage 📺 The Secret to Getting 5-Star Reviews on Autopilot

Hosted by Trevor and Troy Howard, founders of SoTellUs.com — the world's only verified video review platform — this podcast helps business owners grow smarter, scale faster, and dominate their markets using proven systems and automation.

👉 Subscribe for weekly business growth episodes: 🎧 youtube.com/@sotellus 👍 Like this video if it sparked new ideas for your business! 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss a strategy that could boost your profits.

#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Revenue #SoTellUsTime #Profitability #BusinessStrategy #SmallBusinessTips #IncreaseSales #RecurringRevenue #TrevorHoward #TroyHoward #Automation #MarketingStrategy #SoTellUs

Your competitors are watching you. They see your success, your unique strategies, your creative marketing—and then they copy you. But here's the truth: being copied means you're already in the lead. In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard share how smart business owners can flip copycats into fuel for growth instead of frustration.

👉 Why do competitors copy you? Because they lack originality, they see your success, and they want the shortcut. Instead of panicking, learn how to respond strategically and stay miles ahead.

✅ Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

• Why being copied is actually a compliment (and a sign you're doing something right)

• The biggest mistakes business owners make when reacting to copycats

• 5 smart strategies to protect your brand and stay ahead:

  1. Double down on what makes you different (customer service, brand story, experience)

  2. Innovate constantly—competitors can only copy the past, not your future

  3. Tell your story better—your "why" creates loyalty no one can steal

  4. Leverage trust—reviews, proven results, and relationships competitors can't fake

  5. Protect legally (patents, trademarks, copyrights) if it truly matters

We'll also explore famous brand battles like Pepsi vs. Coke and Chick-fil-A vs. other fast-food chains to show how leaders rise above the noise and turn imitation into validation.

💡 Key takeaway: If someone's copying you, it's because you're already leading the way. Use it as motivation to innovate, evolve, and deepen your connection with customers. Don't fear being copied—fear being forgettable.

🌟 Subscribe to SoTellUs Time for weekly strategies on marketing, customer reviews, business growth, and staying ahead of the competition: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@sotellus

📲 Learn more about SoTellUs and how we help businesses dominate online: 👉 https://www.sotellus.com

📌 Watch more SoTellUs Time episodes: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/sotellus

#businessgrowth #marketingstrategy #competitors #entrepreneurship #branding #reviews #customerexperience #sotellustime #innovation #businesssuccess #competition #smallbusiness #entrepreneurmindset #brandstrategy #stayahead #customerreviews #businesstips #marketingpodcast #entrepreneurlife #growthmindset

Most business owners focus on the big picture—marketing campaigns, sales strategies, customer acquisition… but the real secret to building trust, loyalty, and repeat business lies in the tiny details called micro-moments.

In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor and Troy Howard break down the silent power of these small, often-overlooked interactions that shape how customers feel about your business. From how the phone is answered to a quick email follow-up, these micro-moments can mean the difference between a lifelong customer and a lost opportunity.

✅ What you'll learn in this episode:

• What "micro-moments" are and why they matter more than you think.

• Real-world examples: the barista who remembers your name, an auto-reply that sets expectations, a handwritten thank-you note.

• How micro-moments silently influence customer psychology—people remember how you made them feel more than what you sold them.

• Famous case studies: Amazon's "one-click" experience and Apple's unforgettable unboxing.

• Practical strategies for business owners to leverage micro-moments: mapping the customer journey, training employees, using technology wisely, and building consistency.

• The 1% improvement challenge—how small actions compound into massive results.

🎯 Whether you're running a small business or leading a large company, mastering micro-moments will help you create emotional connections, earn loyalty, and grow faster than your competitors.

👇 Action Steps for You:

1. Identify 2–3 micro-moments in your customer journey this week.

2. Train your team to create intentional moments that delight.

3. Share with us the micro-moments that stood out to you as a customer—or ones you've created in your business!

💡 Want to transform your customer experience and grow your business faster? Learn more about SoTellUs at youtube.com/sotellus.

micro-moments, customer experience, customer loyalty, business growth, customer service, customer journey, emotional connection, customer retention, small business marketing, how to keep customers, customer psychology, repeat business, SoTellUs Time, Trevor Howard, Troy Howard, business podcast

AI is replacing employees faster than anyone expected in 2025. But here's the truth: businesses that learn how to use AI the right way aren't collapsing—they're growing faster, cutting payroll costs, and beating their competition.

In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor Howard breaks down exactly how AI is transforming small businesses and how you can use it to grow instead of collapse.

👉 Whether you own a salon, a home service company, a med spa, or any local business, this episode shows you step-by-step how to leverage AI tools like AI receptionists, automation, review management, and customer communication systems to: ✅ Save thousands of dollars in payroll every year ✅ Automate calls, reviews, scheduling, and follow-ups ✅ Deliver faster, better customer service ✅ Grow sales without hiring more staff ✅ Dominate your competitors in 2025

• Why AI isn't just for big corporations anymore

• The #1 mistake business owners make when adopting AI

• How AI can replace repetitive tasks (not people)

• Real-world examples of businesses saving $40,000+ with AI

• How to start using AI in your business TODAY

The truth is simple: AI is not here to destroy your business—it's here to destroy your excuses. The companies that win in 2025 are the ones that move faster, operate leaner, and deliver better customer experiences.

Ignore AI, and your business gets left behind. Leverage AI, and you'll grow faster, spend less, and scale smarter.

🌟 Watch more SoTellUs Time episodes here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@sotellus

🚀 Learn more about SoTellUs and how we help businesses grow: 👉 https://www.sotellus.com

🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss strategies that could transform your business. 👍 Like this video if you're ready to use AI in your business. 💬 Comment below: What's the FIRST task you would replace with AI?

#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Automation #Marketing #SoTellUs #SoTellUsTime #BusinessPodcast #AIForBusiness #Business2025 #ScaleYourBusiness

In today's noisy, fast-paced world, complexity is killing businesses. Too many tools, too many channels, and too many over-engineered systems are slowing you down, frustrating your customers, and burning out your team. 🚫 But here's the truth: simplicity is your secret weapon in 2025.

In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor Howard breaks down why simplicity is more powerful than ever, how it gives you a competitive edge, and the exact steps you can take to simplify your business, accelerate growth, and win more customers.

⏱️ What You'll Learn in This Episode: 00:00 – Intro: Why Simplicity Wins in 2025 01:00 – The Problem: Complexity is Killing Businesses 04:00 – The Shift: Why Consumers Demand Simplicity Now 07:00 – Real-World Examples of Simplicity Driving Success (Apple, Chick-fil-A, Slack & more) 10:00 – 3 Ways to Simplify Your Business and Outpace Competitors 14:00 – Wrap-Up & Action Step for Growth

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Complexity slows decision-making, confuses customers, and hurts profits.

• Simplicity builds trust, speed, and clarity.

• Companies like Apple, In-N-Out, and Notion win by keeping things simple.

• In 2025, the businesses that simplify will dominate.

💡 3 Ways to Simplify & Win:

1. Simplify the customer journey – remove friction and make buying effortless.

2. Trim internal tools & processes – streamline communication and tech stacks.

3. Simplify your messaging – clarity beats cleverness every time.

🚀 Action Step: This week, pick ONE area of your business to simplify and see how much faster things move.

👇 Join the Conversation: What's ONE thing you're simplifying in your business this week? Drop it in the comments or DM us—we'd love to hear from you!

🔗 Watch more episodes of SoTellUs Time here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@sotellus

📢 Stay Connected with SoTellUs: 🌐 Website: https://www.sotellus.com 📲 Follow us for more growth tips, marketing strategies, and business hacks!

✨ If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. It helps more business owners discover these powerful strategies and grow faster in 2025.

#Simplicity #BusinessGrowth #MarketingTips #SoTellUsTime #BusinessSuccess #Entrepreneurship #AI #Automation #CustomerExperience #2025BusinessTrends

Are you running your business on mental fumes? 🤯 In this episode of SoTellUs Time, Trevor & Troy Howard reveal the silent business killer you might not even realize is holding you back — decision fatigue. With over 35,000 decisions made every day, it's no wonder entrepreneurs and business owners end up mentally drained, making slower and poorer choices that cost time, money, and opportunities.

Whether you're a small business owner juggling hiring, pricing, marketing, and scheduling, or a CEO trying to drive growth, decision fatigue can sabotage your productivity, profits, and peace of mind. But the good news? You can fix it — and fast.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ What decision fatigue really is and how it impacts your business performance ✅ Why decision overload slows growth, kills creativity, and delays important opportunities ✅ 5 proven strategies to reduce decision fatigue so you can make smarter, faster business decisions:

1. Automate the Small Stuff – Save brainpower for big decisions

2. Limit Your Choices – Reduce mental overload with pre-approved options

3. Batch Your Decisions – Dedicate set times to approve, decide, and move forward

4. Delegate Wisely – Empower your team with parameters for independent decision-making

5. Protect Your Peak Hours – Make your biggest decisions when your brain is at its sharpest

Why This Matters: Your brain is your most valuable business asset. When you spend it on low-level decisions, you weaken your ability to solve high-level problems that actually move your business forward. In this episode, you'll learn how to free up mental bandwidth, focus on what matters most, and accelerate your growth without burning out.

Memorable Quote: 💡 "Your brain is your most valuable business tool — don't waste it on deciding what's for lunch."

Perfect For: ✔ Entrepreneurs & small business owners ✔ CEOs & executives ✔ Marketing & operations leaders ✔ Anyone who wants to boost productivity and avoid mental burnout

📌 Watch more episodes of SoTellUs Time for expert tips on business growth, marketing strategies, and productivity hacks: https://www.youtube.com/@sotellus

📲 Follow SoTellUs for daily business tips: Instagram: https://instagram.com/sotellus Facebook: https://facebook.com/sotellus LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/sotellus

🎧 Listen to SoTellUs Time Podcast on the go: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sotellus-time Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/sotellustime

Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & relatable hook 01:00 – What is decision fatigue? 03:00 – Why it's a major business problem 06:00 – 5 strategies to beat decision fatigue 14:00 – Recap & takeaway 14:30 – Call to action

#DecisionFatigue #BusinessProductivity #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth #ProductivityHacks #SmallBusinessTips #BusinessMindset #SoTellUsTime #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessSuccess