In this episode of Small Business Matters, we tackle one of the most crucial steps for any small business owner: preparing to approach a lender for financing. With over 19 million new businesses formed in the last two years, accessing capital has become a common challenge for many entrepreneurs. However, many small business owners are simply not prepared when they step into a lender’s office. Whether it's underestimating their capital needs, being unsure about the necessary documents, or misunderstanding how the lending process works, these gaps can prevent them from securing the funding they need to succeed.

We invited on a great expert who knows the ins and outs of small business lending like few others: Craig Calafati. He is the Vice President of Arkansas Capital Corporation (soon to be rebranded as ACC), and he brings over 30 years of experience in commercial lending—including 25 years as an SBA lender to the conversation. Craig has helped countless businesses navigate the financing process. In this episode, he offers invaluable advice on what every small business owner needs to know before they approach a lender.

 

 

In today's hyperspeed, do it now, do it fast business climate, small business owners are facing a growing crisis. According to Ramsey's State of Small-Business Owners in America research study, a staggering 11.3 million business owners report struggling to find capable employees to do the work they need to be done. A challenge exacerbated by rising unemployment and a persistent labor shortage.   This scarcity threatens not just business performance but the very survival of many small enterprises. But an increasing number of entrepreneurs are shouldering heavy burdens alone, spiraling into overwhelm and burnout. Is there a light at the end of this tunnel? Indeed there is, and her name is Kris Ward.   Kris helps entrepreneurs overcome their obstacles by teaching them effective productivity strategies that enable them to scale successfully.   After a personal tragedy, Kris tested her own business resilience and strategies that not only allowed her to step away but return to a business that was fully thriving. With accolades from Shark Tank veterans and features on global media platforms, Kris now dedicates her expertise to helping entrepreneurs like you navigate these lean labor markets.   For any resources mentioned on the show today, visit our show notes over at experian.com/smbmatters.    Want to help us grow? Drop us an honest review and rating on whichever platform you are listening on.   FOLLOW US Threads | https://www.threads.net/@experianbis TikToks | https://www.tiktok.com/@experianb2b Twitter | https://twitter.com/experiansmb Instagram | https://instagram.com/experianbis Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ExperianBusinessInfo Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/experianb2b LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/experian-business-information YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5DU7EVNB_z5xst-Ncuk-g

For this episode of The Small Business Matters podcast we delve into the transformative world of podcasting with the expert guidance of Molly Ruland, CEO of Heartcast Media. Molly, a seasoned veteran in podcast production. As you will hear from our discussion, she really understands this space, and knows what it takes to convert podcasts into lasting client relationships.   A few key takeaways:  

• Defining Success in Podcasting - Molly emphasizes the importance of clarity in a podcast's goals. Whether aiming for thought leadership, enhancing visibility, or generating sales, understanding these objectives dictates the podcast’s direction and content strategy.
• Efficiency in Production - Advocating for efficiency, Molly advises against business owners producing their podcasts. She stresses the value of outsourcing production to professionals to ensure quality and allow business owners to concentrate on their core responsibilities.
• Strategic Guest Selection - Choosing the right guests is crucial. Molly points out that the real value lies not in mass audience appeal but in nurturing relationships with guests who align with the business’s goals. These relationships are more likely to convert into business opportunities.
• Leveraging Podcasts for Business Development - Podcasts are not just marketing tools but also potent business development tools. Molly shares examples of how podcasts have facilitated valuable connections and partnerships, proving their efficacy in business strategy beyond mere content creation.
• Growth Through Quality and Networking - Growth in podcasting comes from quality content and strategic networking, not merely audience numbers. Molly advises focusing on producing high-quality content that guests and their networks would want to share, thereby enhancing reach and influence effectively.

 

Are you looking to make AI work for your small business? You have come to the right place. This week, our Small Business Matters podcast dives into AI with expert and author Pam Didner. Pam is a powerhouse in the marketing world. She’s not just a marketing expert; she’s a problem solver, a digital enthusiast, and a lover of all things tech. With a rich background in B2B marketing, Pam is a much sought-after keynote speaker and trainer for B2B marketing teams.

She’s the host of a popular podcast, B2B Marketing and More, where she dives into marketing strategies and trends that shape modern business. Pam’s also the acclaimed author of three insightful books: Effective Sales Enablement, The Modern AI Marketer, and Global Content Marketing. Each book is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering practical advice and cutting-edge strategies for marketers everywhere.

For any resources mentioned on the show today, please visit our show notes over at experian.com/smbmatters.

 

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Each year, there are roughly 4.7 million new small businesses created, but according to the U.S. Census that number shot up to 5.5 million in 2023, the highest year on record.   Many of these new ventures are Limited Liability Corporations or LLC's, and with so many small businesses being created we thought it would be a good time to talk about LLC's, how they differ from other business structures and what advantages you have as a business owner by forming one.   Our show research on TikTok led us to discover Imani Law, co-founded by Carmel and Camellia Imani. This forward-thinking law firm specializes in aiding entrepreneurs with business establishment and trademark security. The Imani sisters, both UC Davis School of Law graduates, have shifted from litigation to focus on transactional and preventative practices to safeguard clients. Notably, their firm is recognized for its flat rate fees, transparency, and approachable manner, effectively engaging with the online community through platforms like Instagram and TikTok.   For any resources mentioned on the show today, visit our show notes over at experian.com/smbmatters.    Want to help us grow? Drop us an honest review and rating on whichever platform you are listening on.   FOLLOW US Threads | https://www.threads.net/@experianbis TikToks | https://www.tiktok.com/@experianb2b Twitter | https://twitter.com/experiansmb Instagram | https://instagram.com/experianbis Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ExperianBusinessInfo Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/experianb2b LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/experian-business-information YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5DU7EVNB_z5xst-Ncuk-g

In this episode of Small Business Matters, we are in discussion with April Dunford on crafting compelling sales pitches and the importance of positioning in sales strategies.

 

Millions of new businesses are launching around the country, and many of these businesses are being run by new entrepreneurs, people who may not be familiar with the accounting side of a business, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to talk about setting your accounting systems up for success with Cassie Saquing.   Cassie is a money mindset and business management coach. She helps business owners kill the hustle and make a profit.  As a soul-centered financial and money mindset coach, she's also a dedicated wife and mother to four children. In her early days, she applied her skills and education by launching a successful 7-figure daycare business.  Now, she teaches other women to scale their mindset and their income.   For any resources mentioned on the show today, visit our show notes over at experian.com/smbmatters.    Want to help us grow? Drop us an honest review and rating on whichever platform you are listening on.   FOLLOW US Threads | https://www.threads.net/@experianbis TikToks | https://www.tiktok.com/@experianb2b Twitter | https://twitter.com/experiansmb Instagram | https://instagram.com/experianbis Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ExperianBusinessInfo Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/experianb2b LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/experian-business-information YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5DU7EVNB_z5xst-Ncuk-g

In this episode, Gary Stockton interviews AJ Wilcox, the LinkedIn ads myth buster. AJ shares expert perspectives on advertising ROI and the significance of LinkedIn ads for small businesses and highlights the power of LinkedIn's data for targeting ideal customers in the business-to-business space. During the episode AJ dispels the myth that LinkedIn ads are expensive, emphasizing the higher ROI potential. We also spend some time talking about the use of video ads, showcasing their effectiveness in connecting with the audience.     Highlights:     00:05 Introduction and Guest Presentation   01:20 Starting the Conversation: LinkedIn Advertising   02:26 Understanding LinkedIn's Advertising Costs   03:09 Optimizing Budgets for Stronger ROI on LinkedIn 05:23 LinkedIn's User Engagement and Reach 07:04 Exploring LinkedIn's Ad Formats 08:10 The Power of Video Ads on LinkedIn 13:56 Mastering LinkedIn's Ad Management 16:24 Personal Lessons from a LinkedIn Ads Pro 18:53 Busting Myths about LinkedIn Ads 20:59 Conclusion and Contact Information     For any resources mentioned on the show today, visit our show notes over at experian.com/smbmatters.    Want to help us grow? Drop us an honest review and rating on whichever platform you are listening on.   FOLLOW US   Threads | https://www.threads.net/@experianbis   TikToks | https://www.tiktok.com/@experianb2b   Twitter | https://twitter.com/experiansmb   Instagram | https://instagram.com/experianbis   Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ExperianBusinessInfo   Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/experianb2b   LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/experian-business-information   YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5DU7EVNB_z5xst-Ncuk-g

In this episode of Small Business Matters, Gary Stockton interviews Stephen Jordan of Sound Cybersecurity, a noted expert in the field, about the importance of email security for small businesses. They discuss the concept of DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) and its role in preventing cyber breaches and email fraud. Stephen emphasizes the need for small businesses to implement DMARC to protect their email addresses, improve the reputation of their legitimate email messages, and be a good neighbor on the internet. He also highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in setting up and maintaining DMARC and provides advice on overcoming these obstacles. Additionally, Stephen shares real-world examples of how implementing DMARC has significantly reduced email fraud and phishing attacks for small businesses. He discusses the evolving role of DMARC in email security and predicts that it may become a requirement in the future. Stephen also addresses the importance of training employees to recognize and respond to phishing attempts effectively. Finally, he advises small businesses that outsource their email infrastructure to thoroughly evaluate the security measures in place and not to assume that everything is done.

 

Key Takeaways:

• DMARC is a powerful tool that can prevent cybercriminals from using a business's email addresses and improve the reputation of legitimate email messages.
• Only about 2% of all domain names have fully implemented DMARC, indicating a significant need for small businesses to prioritize email security.
• Small businesses should invest in security awareness training and testing to educate employees about phishing attempts and improve their ability to recognize and respond to them.
• Outsourcing email infrastructure does not absolve small businesses from the responsibility of ensuring email security. They should actively monitor and evaluate the security measures implemented by their email service provider.

For any resources mentioned on the show today, visit our show notes over at experian.com/smbmatters. 

 

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We dive into two great topics in this episode — in our first segment, we speak with Jean Smart, CEO of Penelope, a fast-rising platform that makes 401Ks accessible for small business owners. 

In our second segment, we speak with Shaun G. Bull, CEO of Enterprise Consultants Group in Los Angeles, California, about tax resolution and how he has come to the aid of small business owners dealing with tax debt. 

SEGMENT #1

We discuss Penelope's mission to make 401Ks accessible to small businesses and entrepreneurs with Jean Smart from Penelope. Jean shares insights from her extensive financial services background and how her experiences during COVID-19 inspired Penelope's inception. We talk about Penelope's solutions to common challenges faced by small businesses, such as budget constraints and benefits administration complexity. Additionally, we get into Penelope's commitment to supporting women and minority business owners, offering multilingual resources and user-friendly, cost-effective retirement planning tools.

SEGMENT #2 (Begins at 24:00)

Small Business Tax Troubles, Meet Your Solution  

In this enlightening interview, Shaun Bull, founder of Enterprise Consultants Group, discusses the crucial role of tax resolution specialists in aiding small business owners. Shaun emphasizes the importance of proactively managing taxes to avoid financial pitfalls, citing common mistakes such as divorce-related issues and the absence of a reliable accountant.

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