How to get your small business beyond the failure statistics.

Learn from the business failure statistics, instead of being a part of the failure stats, and build a business that will last.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/576-beyond-failure-statistics/

Most small businesses don’t fail in the first year, but half won’t survive past five years; here’s how to be on the winning side of that statistic.

In episode The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez breaks down the often-cited small business failure statistics and, more importantly, what they actually mean for small business owners and entrepreneurs. While over 20% of small businesses fail in their first year, it’s the year five mark where nearly 50% have closed that should truly capture our attention.

But this episode isn’t about fear; it’s about insight and action.

Henry draws from a recent LendingTree analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data to examine why failure rates rise over time. He identifies two key variables that significantly influence business survival: where you start your business (geography) and what type of business you launch (industry segment).

As an example, high-cost states like Minnesota and D.C. have higher failure rates, while California and Iowa show stronger business survivability. Similarly, sectors like trades and professional services tend to outperform restaurants and retail.

The real takeaway, however, is not just about picking the "right" place or business. It’s about developing and evolving a strong, profitable, and scalable business model, and ensuring you have enough capital runway to survive the early phases of growth. With real-world insights and practical recommendations, Henry challenges listeners to validate demand, remain adaptable, and avoid falling in love with an idea that doesn’t work.

Whether you’re in startup mode or reassessing your current business, this episode offers the strategic clarity you need to beat the odds.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Cybersecurity expert Nick Mullen shares how you can protect your business from cyber attacks. Small businesses are often the target for today’s most dangerous cyber threats.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/575-nick-mullen-cyber-security/

Cyberattacks are no longer just a threat to large corporations - small business owners are now the most frequent and most vulnerable targets. In this episode of The How of Business, Henry Lopez speaks with cybersecurity expert and Entoo Security founder Nick Mullen about how you can protect your business from cyber attacks using clear, practical, and affordable strategies.

Nick breaks down the modern cyber threat landscape, including: Ransomware and extortion scams AI-powered phishing emails and voice impersonations The myth of "I’m too small to be a target" The importance of email access controls and proper backups

They also explore the FTC Safeguards Rule, which now applies to many more small businesses, and what it means to be compliant. Nick emphasizes the importance of understanding where your data lives, limiting who can access it, and training your team to spot threats before they cause damage.

“You might think you’re too small to be a target, but $50,000 is a huge payday for a criminal overseas—and they can attack thousands of small businesses every day,” Nick warns.

Whether you run a solo business or have a growing team, this episode will give you the clarity and steps you need to protect what you've worked so hard to build.

Nick Mullen is the founder of N2 Security, a full-service cybersecurity firm helping small businesses including accountants, bookkeepers, and service providers meet compliance standards and avoid devastating cyberattacks. He has nearly two decades of experience in security, compliance, and governance.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Learn the 5 reasons your businesses will fail and how to avoid them.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/574-5-reasons-your-business-will-fail/

Most small businesses don’t fail because of bad luck - they fail because of predictable and avoidable mistakes. On this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez shares the top five reasons small businesses fail, drawing on decades of experience coaching entrepreneurs and running his own small business ventures.

Henry Lopez explores the most common traps: launching with a broken business model, mismanaging cash flow, struggling to attract customers, doing everything yourself, and refusing to adapt when things aren’t working.

Whether you're just starting or already in business, this episode will help you evaluate your strategy, spot early warning signs, and build a more resilient business.

“These are common mistakes—and completely avoidable if you’re willing to be honest, stay flexible, and ask for help.” — Henry Lopez

Five Reasons Your Small Business Will Fail:

1: Lack of a Clear Business Model.

2: Poor Cash Flow Management.

3: Not Enough Customers (Weak Marketing & Sales)

4: Trying to Do Everything Yourself

5: No Adaptability or Stubbornness

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Maximize your Google Business Profile to improve local SEO, generate more leads, and protect your online presence.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/573-marco-silva-google-business-profile/

For small local businesses, visibility online can make or break your customer acquisition efforts. In this episode, Henry Lopez is joined by Marco Silva with Oostas to break down why your Google Business Profile (GBP) may be your single most important marketing asset, and how to use it to your full advantage.

Google Business Profile is a free tool that helps your business appear on Google Search and Maps.

Marco explains the three key factors that influence visibility - relevance, distance, and prominence - and outlines how to optimize your profile for each.

From accurate hours to high-quality photos, and from managing user edits to strategically collecting reviews, every element of your profile impacts whether or not potential customers find you.

"Think of your Google Business Profile like your storefront window—it needs to be clean, fresh, and inviting if you want people to walk in." - Marco Silva

He walks listeners through the modern verification process, which now often includes submitting a video or documentation, instead of the old postcard method. Henry emphasizes that failing to claim and maintain your GBP can leave your business vulnerable and invisible.

They also dive into review strategies, how to ask for them tactfully, why the quality and quantity of reviews matters, and what role keywords play in visibility. Marco explains how reviews written by customers (not replies) help with local ranking and how to handle both positive and negative feedback publicly.

To tie it all together, Marco introduces a $99 GBP Pulse Check from Oostas, a trusted partner of The How of Business. The GBP Pulse Check is an in-depth audit with personalized video feedback and actionable tips for improvement. As a bonus, Henry encourages listeners to download a free resource: “5 Ways to Supercharge Your Google Business Profile” from the show notes page.

Marco Silva is a local SEO expert and digital marketing strategist at Oostas who helps small businesses get found online.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How Zach Beutler developed the Jungle Driving School Franchise, and practical advice for business owners and franchisees.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/572-zach-beutler-jungle-driving-franchise/

In this inspiring episode, Henry Lopez welcomes Zach Beutler, a seasoned entrepreneur and franchising expert, to share his journey from early franchise ventures to his latest role leading the expansion of Jungle Driving School, a franchise focused on teen driver safety.

Zach shares his entrepreneurial beginnings, the highs and lows of building small businesses, and how reading The Success Principles transformed his mindset.

Together, Zack and Henry break down the keys to franchise success, including the power of tactical grit, the role of franchisor support, and how to avoid common traps like sunk cost bias.

This episode also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jungle Driving School’s unique teaching model and the advanced tools Zach is using to empower franchisees.

For any aspiring franchisee or entrepreneur, this episode shares actional advice on the power of grit, growth, and giving back.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Niche down to scale up your small business faster.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r351-niche-down-scale-up/

Focus on the essential and most profitable products or services. Don't try to be all things to all people.

In this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez explores one of the most powerful strategies for early-stage growth: niching down. Whether you’re just launching or a year or two into your journey, trying to do too much too soon can keep your business stuck. Instead, Henry shows how narrowing your offerings, target audience, and even your service area can unlock faster growth and long-term sustainability.

Henry shares examples from real coaching clients and past guests to illustrate how focus creates operational simplicity, marketing clarity, and ultimately, a more valuable business. You’ll also learn why it’s better to “sell a few things to many” rather than “many things to few.”

From cash flow advantages to stronger brand positioning, this episode will inspire you to step back, simplify, and make your business more profitable and scalable - one smart decision at a time.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Employee to Business Owner - what to consider when overcoming the fear and uncertainty of transitioning from employee to business owner.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/571-employee-to-business-owner/

If you've dreamed of leaving your job to start your own business but feel stuck by fear, uncertainty, or financial security, this episode is for you.

Henry Lopez shares his personal experience and practical advice on how to successfully transition from employee to business owner. He explores both the emotional and financial challenges of walking away from a steady paycheck, the perceived safety of a job, and the mental blocks that hold many people back from starting their first small business.

Henry discusses the importance of mindset, reframing risk, and having a clear, validated business plan. He highlights transferable skills from corporate roles that can set you up for entrepreneurial success, including communication, leadership, budgeting, and project management. He also explains how a side hustle or franchise can offer a smoother path to business ownership.

The key is to focus on planning, building a financial runway, seeking mentorship, and ultimately taking the leap of faith when you're ready.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Buyer-First Sales for Business Owners with sales coach and author Carole Mahoney.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/570-carole-mahoney-buyer-first-sales/

Do you dread sales conversations or feel like you’re forcing your product or service onto people? Carole Mahoney, renowned sales coach and author of Buyer First, joins Henry Lopez to change the way small business owners think about selling.

Carole shares how collaborative selling can not only improve your results but also feel more authentic and aligned with your values.

You’ll hear how Carole went from hating sales to becoming one of the most respected voices in the industry - and how her rock-bottom moment led to a complete mindset shift. She explains how buyer behavior has changed, why consultative selling often misses the mark, and what business owners can do to connect more deeply with prospects.

You’ll also learn how to regulate your emotions before a big sales call and how to handle objections without pressure tactics.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, Carole’s actionable advice will help you reframe sales as a collaborative and human-centered process.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

Big Rocks - a prioritization and time management technique for small business owners.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/569-big-rocks/

If you’re always busy but still not making meaningful progress, this episode is for you. Henry Lopez introduces the “Big Rocks” method made famous by Stephen Covey, helping small business owners and entrepreneurs shift from reactive to purposeful weekly planning.

This isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing what matters most.”

“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Steven Covey

You’ll learn:

What Big Rocks really are—and how they differ from to-do lists.

How to define 2 to 5 meaningful tasks (Big Rocks) that will actually move your business forward each week.

Common mistakes to avoid (like creating Big Rocks that are too vague or too big).

How to integrate this method with time blocking for maximum impact on your small business.

Simple tools and tips to build your weekly planning habit.

Whether you’re managing a growing team or juggling solo responsibilities, this framework can help you reclaim focus and make consistent progress on what matters most.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

The two most essential responsibilities every successful small business owner must embrace: making decisions and accepting personal mistakes.

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r245-two-responsibilities/

While the list of responsibilities is long for any entrepreneur, these two are foundational to the success of a small business owner or entrepreneur.

On this episode of The How of Business podcast, Henry Lopez shares personal insights and experiences to help aspiring and current business owners understand why the courage to decide, and the humility to own up to missteps, are traits that separate doers from dreamers.

From the pressures of leadership to the fear of failure, Henry offers motivation and practical advice to help you stay on track even when your confidence is shaken.

If you're considering business ownership, or already on the journey, this episode will inspire you to step up with confidence and resilience.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com