It’s a double-header today. Brian Scanlon reveals his social media marketing secrets AND how to create value in your business so you can sell it for top dollar. As the founder of the agency Posted Social and head of M&A at Global Source Infrastructure Partners (and future college baseball coach), Brian is uniquely qualified to help startups, small companies, and service providers boost their business in all sorts of ways.

Most people have met someone with a food allergy, say to peanuts or dairy. But, says Matt Bomes, the problem is more widespread than you know. 1 in 12 kids have food allergies… and 26 million adults in the U.S. do, too. Matt’s startup, The Bantam Group, is ready to tackle this epidemic head on by spreading awareness, bringing together a community of those with allergies, and providing solutions and resources for families.

Digital marketing is pretty much essential for businesses these days. But, says Jared Laidlaw, too many companies just want to throw money around without considering the right marketing strategy for them. Even though he offers digital marketing solutions he’s not afraid to turn away potential clients who aren’t ready to follow his advice.

Stuart Balcombe is in startup mode. PaymentLink is a unique solution that offers freelancers and small business owners a hassle-free way to get paid. No invoices needed. But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. We talk about the struggles in the run up to the launch, including the research he did to ensure he had a ready market. He explains how he boosts retention by making PaymentLink more than just a product.

What’s the difference between entrepreneurs in the U.S. and those in Latin America? Lee Ullmann sees more similarities than differences. But there are some key shifts in mindset that he always considers in his role as Director of the Latin America Office for the Sloan School of Management at MIT.

Cathie Briggette knows that most media aimed at women doesn't really speak to that audience in an authentic way. And that’s how Herself 360 was born. Co-founded by Lyvia Feraco, this online magazine is a community that engages, supports, and encourages with stories written for women by women. But anyone can learn from how Cathie and her colleagues were able to build this business from the ground up.

Dan Thibeault has a tendency to “go for it” when given the chance, even when he’s not sure how it’ll turn out. That willingness to get out of his comfort zone served him well when he started Fast Twitch Media, which helps people produce and distribute podcasts. Way back when, he didn’t know much about podcasts at all.

Diana Bagas, co-founder of web marketing agency, Launch, with Michaela Mendez, knows platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be an affordable and effective way for businesses to market. But, she says, too many owners have a mistaken impression about what social media is, how it works, and how valuable it can be, especially for small companies trying to reach a local audience. And those that do, often go about it all wrong, she says.

Life is short. Too short to allow negativity to guide your life. That’s why comedy magician and motivational speaker Jonas Cain is all about helping people stay inspired, motivated, and, of course, positive in their business and personal lives.


That’s what inspired him to start Positivity Magic and why he helps groups around the country manage change and overcome the things they struggle with most.

Technology may advance. Business needs may change. But telecom vet Scott Layman is always focused on one thing as the industry changes around him: constantly improving the customer experience. In the days where massive service providers for phone, Internet, and the like are known for less than stellar customer service (which helps them cut costs), Scott, COO of Pioneer Telephone, says you can wow your clients in every interaction – and still make a healthy profit.