Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share The Co/LAB
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
The Co/LAB
The Co/LAB episodes
- How Can A Small Business Gain Traction With Marketing?Description:Putting together a marketing strategy for a small business is an often overlooked but incredibly important part of running a business. Your product or service could be the best out there, but if no one knows what your business does, it hurts your potential growth. Eric Varner, director of marketing for Keystone Alliance Mortgage and The CoLab, joins The CoLab podcast hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to offer tips on getting your marketing off the ground and how as a small business gain any traction with marketing.Show Notes:Successful marketing can be the difference between growth and loss in terms of running a small business, but where do you begin? Years ago, buying print ads and putting up billboards were the go-to marketing strategies, but the advent of the digital age has completely transformed the game. How can a small business hope to gain any traction in a space that seems too crowded to stand out in?Eric Varner, director of marketing for Keystone Alliance Mortgage and The CoLab, has spent time in several marketing roles that have equipped him with the skills necessary to develop marketing for any type of business. In this episode, he joins The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar to help small business owners figure out a starting point for their marketing efforts.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:[00:28] Marketing is an ever-evolving field, and it may take a few tries before you find what works best for you and your business.[11:20] Because marketing is such a broad topic that covers so many mediums, it can be hard for business owners to figure out where to start.[15:10] Building trust and relationships with clients is key to business success. Producing content as part of your marketing strategy can be instrumental in reaching this goal.[23:53] A website can serve as a hub for all your marketing efforts, but who do you turn to build one? And to keep it updated?[29:12] Marketing tools tend to build on each other. Social media can drive people to your website. Your website includes features such as contact forms that capture information. That information can be loaded into a database and used for email marketing.[33:56] Let your website be your marketing starting point but don’t just stop at a homepage. Additional pages with content such as a blog give your site a better chance of popping up in people’s internet searches.Resources mentioned in today’s episode:godaddy.comhostgator.comwordpress.comWhat about you? As a small business owner, how do you gain traction with marketing?Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:7 Steps to Small Business TransformationDOWNLOAD NOW40 min
- From the Ground Up Get Inspired by Marsha Marsh’s StoryDescription:There’s a lot of freedom that comes with starting a small business. You can set your own hours and be your own boss. Marsha Marsh took the leap after finding herself in a job that restricted her from being there for her family as much as she wanted. She left that job and started her own real estate company. She and her son Laban Marsh join The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar in this episode to share the story behind establishing Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services from the ground up!Show Notes:Freedom. It’s a driving force behind the decision to start a business for many people. It’s the reward for taking a leap of faith and trying something new. There’s no one right way to start a business and there’s no right time to do so either. When Marsha Marsh’s job didn’t afford her the flexibility she wanted nearly 15 years ago, she made a leap of her own into real estate and hasn’t looked back. So what does it take to start and run a successful family business from the ground up? Marsha and her son Laban share their story and reflect on their business journey with The CoLab.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:[00:29] Introducing Marsha and Laban Marsh, a mother and son who have worked together to follow their business dreams and grow Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services into a successful family business.[07:32] There’s a lot to be afraid of when starting a new business. But sometimes the fear of staying in a job where you’re not happy can be an excellent motivator.[13:35] Small businesses face a lot of hurdles, but with the right partners—and help from a business coach—those obstacles can be overcome.[20:11] Mentorship can be key to success. As a business owner, you want to find people who will make you as a person better. Your business will be better, too, because of it.[29:52] In a way, business is like a two-way street. Sometimes people will come to you, but you can’t be afraid to ask for business.[ 35:21] If starting a business is one of your dreams, talk to someone who can meet you at a human level and help you take that first step toward founding a business.What about you? Did you start from the ground up? Do you know someone who did? Share the story with us and let other people get inspired too...Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:7 Steps to Small Business TransformationDOWNLOAD NOW42 min
- Tips for Creating Captivating PresentationsDescription:Presentations are the foundation of sale pitches but can fall flat without the right components to keep audiences engaged. As a small business owner, it can be difficult to carve out time to research new resources that will inject life into your presentations and increase engagement. The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have given more presentations than they can count. They’re ready to share their tips for creating captivating presentations and the tools that will take your business presentations to the next level.Show Notes:When it comes to enticing new customers and growing your small business, how you present yourself and your company is everything. Your presentation could be full of interesting and valuable information, but if your delivery and slides don’t hold a potential client’s attention, you may as well be presenting to a wall. So, what’s the key to captivating presentations? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar break down the mindset and tools you need to create engaging presentations that will have clients hanging on every word.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:[00:29] When giving a presentation, there’s a good chance others are looking up to you as a thought leader, a person who can bring expertise and influence to a topic.[09:13] Presentations are a common way of earning business, but it takes the right skills and tools to be a successful presenter.[15:00] Presenting is a mindset. It takes more than preparation and memorization. A successful presentation is more than an information dump—it’s an experience that offers value to those viewing it.[23:03] Creativity will set you apart from other businesses, but it shouldn’t stop at how your presentation looks. Incorporate thought-provoking questions, games, and personal stories into presentations to transform your meeting into an experience.[27:41] The right tools and platform can upgrade not only your presentation’s appearance but also add engaging activities, videos, and other content that will keep clients engaged.To learn more about resources mentioned in this podcast, click on the product names below:Kahoot, a game-based learning platform.Prezi, a virtual presentation software.PowToon, a visual communication platform.What about you? Do you have tips for creating captivating presentations? Share them with us!Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:7 Steps to Small Business TransformationDOWNLOAD NOW37 min
- How To Use Thought Leadership To Establish AuthorityDescription:The concept of “thought leadership” exists in every industry. Thought leaders are out there influencing others with their stories, ideas, and innovation in order to drive change. So, what does it take to become one? And how to use thought leadership to establish authority? In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar take you through part of their thought leadership journey and provide tips for getting started on your own.Show Notes:Thought leadership takes many forms, but small business owners may feel too busy or unsure of joining the conversation. The fact is anyone can be a thought leader if they’re willing to take the steps necessary to get their voice out there. It could be writing articles, hosting a video blog, or making a presentation at an industry conference. The possibilities are endless but getting started will take a bit of thought and planning.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:[01:02] As a business owner, your identity is often tied to your company and the duties that define your role within it.[11:41] Part of being a thought leader means receiving recognition for the authority you have built in your industry, including winning awards.[19:51] It sounds obvious, but having your thoughts in the form of a column or essay featured in trade or industry magazines and other publications can build up your authority.[25:00] In addition to writing, tapping into and refining your skills as a public speaker can be key to cementing your status as a thought leader.[34:43] If you want to attract the best employees and clients, you need to be seen as a thought leader—someone who isn’t afraid to try new things.What about you? How do you use thought leadership to establish authority? Share with us!Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:7 Steps to Small Business TransformationDOWNLOAD NOW42 min
- 5 Tips to Social Media Success for Your BusinessDescription:Customers are everywhere, and they expect the same of the businesses they patronize. That includes the vast digital expanse that is social media. Figuring out where to start and how to best use social media for business can be overwhelming, but The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar break down this complex topic. This is the second episode in a series focusing on marketing tips for new and small businesses. Today is about 5 Tips to Social Media Success for Your BusinessShow Notes:So much of modern business funnels through social media. It’s where companies connect with customers one post at a time through viral videos, stories that run the gamut from inspirational to cheeky, and pictures of everything from products to team retreats. Finding an audience is only the first step. Growing and maintaining it is vital for digital success, but this can be a challenging undertaking for new and small business owners.In this episode, Andres Munar, The CoLab co-host and social media guru will walk you through five important tips you should know when establishing and running your business’s social media efforts.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:[02:15] Using social media for business is an expectation at this point, so whether it’s you behind the posts or one of your employees, your business should build and maintain a presence on social media.[04:25] Tip 1: Post often. That doesn’t mean once every day or even once a day. We’re talking multiple times a day. That said, every post doesn’t need to be a deep dive into your business or product. Sometimes the best engagement comes from sharing something like a funny picture or a personal story.[09:15] Tip 2: Be yourself. That doesn’t mean be the perfect person you think people want to see on social media. It means being authentic and sharing your true self with your audience.[13:20] Tip 3: Put yourself out there. If you’re not creating content, people aren’t seeing it and connecting to you and your business. There is a difference between promoting yourself and bragging about yourself, so don’t shy away from sharing your accomplishments and expertise.[16:00] Tip 4: Grow and tend your friend's garden. Without people, there are no connections. If you’re using Facebook for your business, you can put your personal profile to work by adding friends who add value to your business—and purge the ones that don’t.[21:12] Tip 5: Just get started! Figure out where your customers are and start a profile or channel on that social media platform. Then get posting.Listen to The CoLab’s first episode of this marketing series, “Level Up Your Business Marketing with Video Right Now” here.Listen to The CoLab episode, “Virtual Assistants: Your Secret Weapon to Success” here.Listen to The CoLab episode, “Boost Your Brand with Integrating Influencer Marketing” here.What about you? Do you have tips for social media success for your business that you use and been successful?Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:7 Steps to Small Business TransformationDOWNLOAD NOW27 min
- Level Up Your Business Marketing with Video Right NowDescription:Being a small business owner means wearing many hats, one of the most important of which is the marketer. That said, you may find yourself competing for customers with hundreds of businesses across numerous platforms—from billboards to social media channels to print publications. What can you do to stand out and reach customers? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar can help you navigate the marketing space by sharing their successful strategies. This episode focuses on how to level up your business marketing with video marketing.Show Notes:Once only associated with TV commercials, video has become a driving force in marketing strategies for businesses large and small across digital platforms. If you’re a small business, you don’t need to spend thousands on video production to reach customers. It’s an accessible medium that in some cases only requires a smartphone and an editing app. Now is the perfect time to add a video to your arsenal of marketing tools.The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar have successfully integrated video into their business outreach. Their video formats range from lists of tips to deep dives in various aspects of the mortgage market, but their strategies can work for businesses of any type.As mentioned in the episode, The CoLab recommends three apps to help you create simple but effective videos: VivaVideo, BombBomb, and Hippo Video.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:[00:41] Marketing is an essential part of business, but what tactics and components will truly grow your business? This episode kicks off a series of shows focused on marketing. First up: video marketing.[04:36] Video can be an intimidating medium but with the right tools, you can make it work for your business marketing. But, you need to take the first step and try.[07:34] It’s easy to make excuses not to do a video for your business, chief among them that you’re concerned with embarrassing yourself. That’s understandable but try to set that fear aside.[14:48] Once you start making and posting videos, you need to stick with it. While some videos go viral, it usually takes time to build an audience and refine your content in order to continue expanding that audience.[16:45] While your business has a product or service to sell, don’t make your videos all about what you’re trying to sell. Instead, you can add value to your customers’ viewing experience by making videos that educate around topics related to your business and industry.[23:15] The CoLab recommends three apps to help you create simple but effective videos: VivaVideo, BombBomb, and Hippo Video.Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:7 Steps to Small Business TransformationDOWNLOAD NOW28 min
- Business By Numbers: Get On The Right Financial Track NowDescription:Properly managing finances is a make or break for many small businesses, but keeping tabs on where your money is coming and going can be difficult. To help get small business by numbers on the right financial track, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined by Tom Ward, a longtime entrepreneur, founder of Majestic Mortgage Corporation and Mortgage ProfitAbility, and author of the book The Empathy Effect: Build Your Business —and Your Wealth—By Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes.Show Notes:Finances are one of the most important but challenging aspects of running a business. As a busy entrepreneur, it’s easy to overlook or focus on the wrong numbers and find yourself in a bind. It takes the right tools and resources to create a foundation for financial success.In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar invite entrepreneur and business coach Tom Ward on the podcast to share his insight into how you can successfully manage your business finances and set yourself up for success.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:[03:12] Introducing Tom Ward, an experienced entrepreneur and business coach who specializes in profitability.[11:54] Knowing your numbers is critical in business. Think of it as a sport. If you know your statistics as an athlete, you know if you’re improving or regressing. The same principle can be applied to business.[19:14] There are three critical numbers you should know and understand when running your business: revenue, expenses, and profit/loss.[29:23] Entrepreneurs have a tendency to put themselves on an island. It’s a mindset where if they talk to anyone about their problems, they’re showing weakness. Instead, reach to others with questions and use their advice to strengthen your finances and your business as a whole.[37:10] As a business owner, you should get to know your numbers by reviewing your financial statements at least monthly. It’ll help you create baselines that you can use in the future to judge your business performance.You can learn more about Tom’s book, The Empathy Effect: Build Your Business —and Your Wealth—By Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes, by clicking here and his Mortgage ProfitAbility services by clicking here.Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:7 Steps to Small Business TransformationDOWNLOAD NOW52 min
- Virtual Assistants: Your Secret Weapon for SuccessDescription:You can’t do everything yourself as a small business owner, and many owners turn to assistants for help managing their workload. But the COVID-19 pandemic transformed bustling offices into ghost towns as many employees shifted to working from home. The new virtual world has business leaders thinking differently about staff and more open to the idea of hiring a virtual assistant. In this episode, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar discuss their success with virtual assistants and tips for how you can hire your own.Show Notes:As the past year has demonstrated, workers in nearly every industry have been able to navigate working from home. But long before the pandemic started, virtual assistants were available to help business owners with a variety of tasks. Virtual assistants can work from anywhere and often have specialities that can help grow your business while costing you less than an internal hire.Think you could benefit from a virtual assistant or are just curious about how it all works? The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar cover the basics of virtual assistants, where to find them, and dispel some misconceptions that surround these types of positions.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:[04:03] In the wake of COVID-19, many businesses had to adapt to a virtual format, which opened the door for more small business owners to consider hiring virtual assistants.[06:31] Virtual assistants are people you can hire that will perform tasks remotely for your business. They could live in the same city or in a different country. Some are generalists while others have specialities.[20:44] Finding virtual assistants can be tricky if you don’t know where to look.[25:42] In addition to being cost effective, virtual assistants can provide support to business teams of any size and can be hired to do specific types of work that other employees may not have time to attend to, such as posting on social media.[35:13] Learn more about what it’s like being a virtual assistant from Jose, a sound engineer who works as a virtual assistant for Megan and Andres and helps produce The CoLab podcast.[50:00] Now hear from Justin, a virtual assistant who helps Megan and Andres with social media and other marketing efforts.Hiring Resource: Megan and Andres recommend https://www.onlinejobs.ph/ for finding virtual assistants.What about you? Have you experienced success with virtual assistants? Let us know in the comments below and share your story with us!Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:7 Steps to Small Business TransformationDOWNLOAD NOW1 hr 4 min
- How To Grow Your Sales in 6 StepsDescription:Clients are the lifeblood of any business, but expanding a customer base can prove difficult for small businesses. This week, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome René Rodriguiz, a behavioral neuroscience specialist and a dynamic keynote speaker who has helped thousands of business leaders transform themselves and their businesses for success sharing with us how to grow your sales in 6 steps.Show Notes:Making sales is a step-by-step process, but are you using the right steps as a small business owner to attract new clients, keep them, and encourage them to refer you to their social circles? René Rodriguiz breaks down six vital steps for business owners to take to grow their sales base and connect with clients in ways that make them feel valued and wowed.The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar highly recommend René’s signature course Amplifii (They've taken it three times!) to transform yourself as a business owner. Learn more about it here.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:[02:22] Introducing René Rodriguiz, a behavioral neuroscience specialist and a dynamic keynote speaker who travels the world to transform how business leaders think and communicate.[04:49] Creating influence is vital in business. If you run a business, you're in the world of influence. You have to influence your clients to pay you and to buy from you.[09:04] There are only six ways that you make money in a direct-sales environment. These activities will help you generate leads, stand out, and build trust and relationships with clients.[25:25] Part of creating influence is engaging highly leveraged activities, such as content creation, face-to-face engagement with your clients and community, and generating press for achievements such as industry awards.[35:12] Getting in touch with purpose is everything. You can generate a business and generate profit, but lose sight of purpose and it means nothing.Did you like our how to grow your sales in 6 steps episode? Share it with someone who will find it beneficial. And let us know in the comments below what do you do to grow your sales?Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:7 Steps to Small Business TransformationDOWNLOAD NOW39 min
- Grow Your Business through the Power of PodcastingDescription:While many small businesses are vying for customers’ attention through traditional mediums and social media channels, there’s another platform you can use to promote your business: podcasts. This week, The CoLab Podcast hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are joined by Phil Treadwell, the National Director of Sales and Innovation and Strategy for Thrive Mortgage. Treadwell hosts the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast and has plenty of tips for small business owners to get started recording their own and grow your business through podcasting.Show Notes:The popularity of podcasts has exploded in recent years, but they’re not just for true crime aficionados or newshounds. Podcasts can be a very valuable marketing tool to businesses of any size. To help you get started on your own podcast, The CoLab hosts Megan Marsh and Andres Munar welcome Phil Treadwell, the National Director of Sales and Innovation and Strategy for Thrive Mortgage and host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast.Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re covering in this episode of The CoLab:[01:33] Introducing Phil Treadwell, host of the Mortgage Marketing Expert podcast and founder of Industry Syndicate, which is the first podcast network for real estate and mortgage professionals.[06:46] Podcasting (and other types of content such blogs) can serve as a means of getting your business name out there simply because it’s content that pops up in internet searches in addition to your business website or social media.[12:36] Starting a podcast requires the right mindset: abundance. As in, there is an abundance of business out there for entrepreneurs, so you’ll need to shed the belief that offering tips and resources is giving away your business’ proprietary information.[15:17] If the podcast you want includes interviews with industry experts or other types of guests, getting them on the show comes down to a simple bit of advice: Just ask. You never know who will say yes.[27:48] Starting a podcast doesn’t require investing in expensive sound recording equipment. A pair of earbuds and a recording app on your smartphone are all you need to get started.[32:28] Podcasts aren’t a short-term marketing solution. If you think it would be a good fit for you and your business, be prepared to invest time in producing and releasing your content and growing your audience.Are you going to grow your business through podcasting? Let us know in the comments below. And share this with someone who needs it!Connect with The CoLab at www.thecolablife.com or on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.The Cólab Crush It Action Plan:7 Steps to Small Business TransformationDOWNLOAD NOW46 min
About The Co/LAB
From the publisher's feed
Do you feel stuck? Has your business gone stagnant? Do you feel trapped in your current job and dream of starting your own business but not sure where to start? Megan and Andres have been where you are and want to help you overcome the hurdles standing in your way of success. You don’t need a recruiter or big company telling you what will get you to the next level. You can get yourself there. You are the key, and you can make it happen. They want to share with you how they did it and why surrounding yourself with the right people, the right mindset and having the right tools can help your business explode!
Megan Marsh and Andres Munar are two very different people with very different backgrounds. Despite their unique personalities, skill sets, business acumen and ideas, they’ve found that their diverse backgrounds have lead them and their business to extreme growth. In only four years since teaming up, this diverse duo has tripled their business!
Find out more about The CoLAB and visit our website at www.thecolablife.com.